President Yoweri Museveni Declared Winner of Uganda’s 2026 Presidential Election with 71.65% of Votes

The Electoral Commission of Uganda has officially declared incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni the winner of the January 15, 2026, general election, securing a seventh term in office after garnering 7,946,772 votes, equivalent to 71.65% of the total valid votes cast.

The final results were announced by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama at the National Tally Centre in Lubowa on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Museveni’s closest rival, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) of the National Unity Platform (NUP), finished second with 2,741,238 votes (24.72%).

Other candidates trailed significantly:

•  Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Forum for Democratic Change – FDC) – 209,039 votes (1.88%)

•  Remaining candidates received less than 2% combined.

The announcement followed days of provisional result releases, amid a reported voter turnout of approximately 44% from 21.6 million registered voters. The EC described the electoral process as largely peaceful and successful, despite isolated incidents of violence and technical delays at some polling stations.

President Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, addressed supporters shortly after the declaration, thanking voters for their continued trust and reaffirming his commitment to national unity, economic transformation, and security.

Bobi Wine and the NUP have rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities, voter suppression, and manipulation of results. The opposition leader called on supporters to remain peaceful while pursuing legal and political avenues to challenge the declaration.

International and domestic observers have issued mixed assessments, with some noting improvements in voter access in certain areas and others raising concerns over pre-election restrictions, internet disruptions, and reported intimidation.

The Electoral Commission has certified the results in accordance with the Presidential Elections Act, paving the way for Museveni’s swearing-in for another five-year term.

Uganda now turns its focus to the formation of the new government and addressing post-election reconciliation amid ongoing political tensions.