Uganda’s Electoral Commission has officially declared President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the 2026 presidential election, securing him another term in office after a tightly contested vote that drew criticism over an internet shutdown and restrictions on civil society activities.
The announcement was made by the commission’s chairperson, Simon Byabakama, who disclosed that Museveni polled over 7.9 million votes, the highest among all candidates.
The commission noted that the veteran leader, who has been in power since 1986, surpassed the constitutional requirement by winning more than 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast.
“Having obtained the highest number of votes in the election and the votes cast in his favour being more than 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast at the election, the Commission hereby declares Candidate Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the election,” Byabakama said.
Official figures showed that 11.4 million voters participated in Thursday’s election, representing a 52.50 per cent voter turnout nationwide.
