Uganda s Yoweri Museveni Extends 35-Year Rule With Disputed Election Win Uganda s Yoweri Museveni Extends 35-Year Rule With Disputed Election Win Yoweri Museveni was accused of crushing the opposition and media ahead of one of the most violent election campaigns in recent years.
Yoweri Museveni took power in 1986, is one of Africa s longest-serving presidents.
Kampala, Uganda:
Uganda s Yoweri Museveni has won a sixth term in office, the election commission said Saturday, extending his 35-year rule after a poll which his main rival said was marred by fraud.
The 76-year-old leader, who took power in 1986, is one of Africa s longest-serving presidents. He was accused of crushing the opposition and media ahead of one of the most violent election campaigns in recent years.
Ugandan President Secures Sixth Term in Disputed Election Bloomberg 1/17/2021
(Bloomberg)
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni coasted to victory in elections that were marred by a clampdown on opposition campaigning, extending his 35-year rule.
Museveni won 58.6% of votes cast on Jan. 14, according to results released on Saturday by the Electoral Commission of Uganda on state television. Pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, 38, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi and presented himself as a youthful alternative to the 76-year-old president, secured 34.8%.
Africa’s biggest-coffee exporter, Uganda is due to begin exporting oil starting in 2024, and Museveni’s victory will clear the way for him to press ahead with about $20 billion of associated projects, including a crude pipeline and refinery. There’s a risk that implementation could be hindered by civil unrest should the opposition mobilize to try and overturn the election outcome.
Museveni took power in 1986 and is one of Africa s longest serving presidents. He has been accused of sticking to power for a long time, allegations he squashed aside in his victory speech.
Last modified on Fri 29 Jan 2021 03.53 EST
Bobi Wine, the Ugandan pop star turned politician, was under house arrest on Saturday after losing the country’s presidential election. President Yoweri Museveni extended his near 35-year grip on power, winning a sixth term, after an election marred by widespread accusations of fraud and violence, as well as an internet shutdown.
“No one is allowed in my house,” Wine said. “The military has taken total charge. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me and my wife in the next minute.” Wine called for US president-elect Joe Biden to intervene. “I want the world to know that he [Museveni] should be held accountable.”