According to partial vote tallies released by local broadcasters, including NBS Television, Museveni, who is contesting under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), had secured approximately 70 percent of votes counted so far.
With more than half of the ballots already tallied, the figures place the incumbent in a dominant position as the country awaits final official results from the Electoral Commission.
NBS live updates indicated that Museveni had garnered about 70.8 percent of the vote, translating to over 4.7 million ballots counted at the time of reporting.
NBS live updates indicated that Museveni had garnered about 70.8 percent of the vote, translating to over 4.7 million ballots counted at the time of reporting.
The early numbers reflect results from multiple regions across the country and suggest a comfortable margin over his closest challenger.
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, trailed in second place with an estimated 20 to 30 percent of the vote.
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, trailed in second place with an estimated 20 to 30 percent of the vote.
Kyagulanyi is the flag bearer of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and has positioned himself as the main face of opposition against Museveni’s decades-long rule. Other presidential candidates shared the remaining votes, according to early tallies.
Initial results from select polling stations had earlier shown Museveni leading with more than 60 percent, while Bobi Wine hovered slightly above 30 percent, pointing to a widening gap as counting progressed.
The election, however, was conducted amid significant controversy and logistical challenges that have drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups.
Initial results from select polling stations had earlier shown Museveni leading with more than 60 percent, while Bobi Wine hovered slightly above 30 percent, pointing to a widening gap as counting progressed.
The election, however, was conducted amid significant controversy and logistical challenges that have drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups.
A nationwide internet blackout, imposed two days before voting, severely limited access to real-time information.
Authorities defended the shutdown as a necessary step to curb misinformation, prevent electoral malpractice, and maintain public order.
Critics, including international human rights organisations, argued that the blackout undermined transparency and restricted the ability of voters, observers, and political parties to monitor the process independently.
Polling day itself was marked by a heavy security presence, delays in opening some polling stations, and technical difficulties with biometric voter verification equipment in certain areas.
Critics, including international human rights organisations, argued that the blackout undermined transparency and restricted the ability of voters, observers, and political parties to monitor the process independently.
Polling day itself was marked by a heavy security presence, delays in opening some polling stations, and technical difficulties with biometric voter verification equipment in certain areas.
There were also reports of long queues and confusion among voters in urban centres.
Opposition leaders raised serious concerns about the credibility of the process. Bobi Wine took to social media to allege widespread irregularities, including ballot stuffing, intimidation of polling agents, and the arrest of key figures within his movement.
Opposition leaders raised serious concerns about the credibility of the process. Bobi Wine took to social media to allege widespread irregularities, including ballot stuffing, intimidation of polling agents, and the arrest of key figures within his movement.
He claimed that several NUP polling agents were barred from accessing stations or removed during voting.
In a series of posts shared on January 15, Kyagulanyi described the election as “gravely compromised” and urged Ugandans to reject what he termed an illegitimate outcome.
In a series of posts shared on January 15, Kyagulanyi described the election as “gravely compromised” and urged Ugandans to reject what he termed an illegitimate outcome.
He also appealed to the international community not to recognise the results without addressing the alleged violations.
“The world must never legitimise a regime built on violence and shame,” he wrote, accusing the government of undermining democratic processes.
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking what would be his seventh term as president.
“The world must never legitimise a regime built on violence and shame,” he wrote, accusing the government of undermining democratic processes.
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking what would be his seventh term as president.
His continued dominance has been attributed by supporters to infrastructure development, security, and economic reforms, while critics argue that his prolonged rule has weakened democratic institutions and political freedoms.
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