Museveni Secures Seventh Term Amid Violence and Internet Shutdown

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has won a seventh term in office, securing 71.65 percent of the votes in an election marked by violence and significant restrictions on internet access. This result, announced by the Electoral Commission on March 7, 2024, allows Museveni, aged 81, to extend his leadership of Uganda for an unprecedented 40 years. His primary challenger, Bobi Wine, received 24.72 percent of the vote but has alleged that the electoral process was compromised by intimidation and fraud.

The election took place under tense conditions, with reports of at least 10 fatalities linked to election-related violence. Witnesses noted a heavy police presence in the capital, Kampala, as security forces sought to prevent protests reminiscent of unrest in neighboring countries. Wine, who has been a vocal critic of Museveni’s government, stated that he was in hiding after security forces raided his home on the night of March 6. He expressed his fears for his safety and claimed that his family members were still under house arrest.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has gained popularity as a representative of the youth and marginalized communities in Uganda. He has accused the government of engaging in “massive ballot stuffing” and using the internet blackout, implemented prior to the election, to facilitate attacks on his supporters. He described the election results as “fake” and expressed his determination to challenge them.

Goodluck Jonathan, the former Nigerian president and a representative for the African Union’s election observation mission, acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the election day but condemned the widespread reports of intimidation, arrests, and abductions targeting the opposition. He emphasized that such actions have significantly undermined public trust in the electoral process.

The internet shutdown, which remained in effect as of March 7, further complicated the situation, disrupting communication and limiting the ability of observers to monitor the election effectively. Jonathan noted that the shutdown heightened suspicion among the electorate and hindered transparency.

In addition to Museveni’s victory, the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement, has reportedly maintained a commanding lead in parliamentary seats, according to preliminary results. Ballots are still being counted, but analysts have long regarded this election as a mere formality, given Museveni’s extensive control over the state and security apparatus.

The opposition has faced significant challenges during this election cycle. Kizza Besigye, another prominent opposition figure and a four-time presidential candidate, was abducted in Kenya in 2024 and is currently facing a treason trial in Uganda. Reports of violence against opposition members have surfaced, including claims from Muwanga Kivumbi, a member of parliament for Wine’s party, that security forces killed several of his campaign agents.

The Ugandan government has denied allegations of violence, asserting that their operations were aimed at maintaining order amid attempts by opposition members to incite unrest. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stated that they were managing access to areas deemed security hotspots but denied that they had raided Wine’s residence.

As Museveni celebrates his electoral victory, the future of Uganda remains uncertain, with the potential for further unrest and challenges to his long-standing rule. The international community is watching closely as the political landscape continues to evolve in this East African nation.