Uganda Elections Has Shocked The World
Uganda’s President-Elect, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has hailed his overwhelming victory in the 2026 presidential election as a clear indication of renewed vigor for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He also laid out some key policy priorities for his upcoming term.
Speaking from his home in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District, on Sunday, Museveni expressed that the party’s success showcases widespread support throughout the nation and signifies a revival of unity and grassroots mobilization.
He took a moment to thank security forces, religious and cultural leaders, and the citizens for keeping the peace during the election period.
However, the president-elect did voice concerns about reports of violence in certain areas, which he linked to individuals associated with opposition groups, especially the National Unity Platform (NUP). He mentioned that security agencies had to step in to counter attempts to disrupt the voting process in some constituencies.
“Some of our opposition members are misguided but not terrorists. However, some of them are indeed terrorists. In Butambala, one character faced defeat. Their plan was that where NUP lost, gangs armed with pangas would attack the polling station. And that’s exactly what happened. After their loss, they attempted to storm the polling station, resulting in seven of them being shot dead,” President Museveni stated.
Museveni also pointed out a surprisingly low turnout among some registered NRM supporters and has called for investigations to understand why millions chose not to vote, despite an expanded party register. He encouraged dialogue between religious leaders and opposition figures to help ease political tensions.
Looking forward, Museveni outlined a comprehensive agenda for his next term.
His top priorities include tackling poverty, especially for households still struggling to meet basic needs. He emphasized that this would be addressed through enhanced financial support programs and initiatives aimed at wealth creation.
Other commitments include enhancing free universal education, boosting health services, ramping up the fight against corruption, and pushing forward infrastructure projects like road improvements and better water distribution.
He also pledged to reform the justice system and deepen Uganda’s integration into East African Community trade agreements.
Regarding regional integration, Museveni emphasized that Uganda will keep striving for closer economic ties within the East African Community, highlighting trade, infrastructure, and labor mobility as essential components for shared prosperity.
President William Ruto has officially congratulated Uganda’s President-elect Yoweri Museveni following the announcement of his re-election.
In his congratulatory note, Ruto expressed that the outcome reflects the trust the people of Uganda have in their leadership and the confidence the NRM party enjoys.
Ruto praised what he called a peaceful election and acknowledged Ugandans for their role in strengthening democratic institutions.
“Following the formal pronouncement of your re-election as the President of the Republic of Uganda last evening, 17 January, 2026, I convey, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya and my own behalf, my warm congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and to the great people of Uganda,” Ruto said.
“Your decisive victory at the just-concluded competitive General Election reflects the trust that the people of the Republic of Uganda have in your personal leadership and the confidence enjoyed by the NRM party. I am certain your re-election reinvigorates Your Excellency’s resolve to accelerate the transformation of your country.”
He underscored longstanding bilateral ties, reaffirming Nairobi’s commitment to regional cooperation.
“For undertaking a peaceful election, I sincerely commend the people of Uganda and all stakeholders in the electoral process, which attests to the democratic maturity of Uganda,” the president said.
Museveni’s re-election marks yet another chapter in his long-standing rule, capturing the attention of the region as East Africa navigates its evolving political and economic landscape.
At 81 years old, Museveni was declared the winner of Uganda’s presidential election held on January 15, 2026, securing his impressive seventh term in office.
His victory highlights his enduring grip on Ugandan politics, a reign that has lasted four decades, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His new term is set to run from 2026 to 2031.
The Electoral Commission revealed results showing Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) leading comfortably with 7.9 million votes, which accounts for 71.6% of the total votes cast. His main opponent, Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, garnered 2.7 million votes.
Kyagulanyi, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has rejected the election results announced by the Electoral Commission, alleging ballot stuffing, military interference, and the detention of opposition leaders and polling officials.
“I stand by our total rejection of the fake results that Byabakama is reading,” Kyagulanyi stated, asserting that the outcome had “zero backing.”
He also condemned the reported killings of citizens protesting the election’s conduct, emphasizing that Ugandans have a constitutional right to peacefully demonstrate in defense of their democratic choices.
Museveni first gained national attention as the head of the National Resistance Army (NRA), a rebel group that fought a five-year guerrilla war against Milton Obote’s government and its successor.
In January 1986, Museveni took power, effectively putting an end to years of political turmoil in the East African nation. His early years in office were dedicated to stabilizing the economy and addressing long-standing insurgencies, particularly in the northern regions of the country.
Uganda Elections Has Shocked The World
