Ugandan President wins election for sixth term

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected for a sixth term with 58.64% of the vote, the electoral commission said on Saturday, as rival opponent Bobi Wine alleged widespread fraud a day earlier and said citizens should reject the result.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, won 34.83% of the vote, according to the commission.

Museveni, 76, has been in power for 35 years and campaigned for another term arguing his long experience makes him a good leader.

The pop-star turned politician Wine, 38, appealed to young Ugandans and pledged to end what he calls dictatorship and widespread corruption.

Wine on Friday claimed victory in the presidential elections, rejecting as a “complete sham” early results that gave Museveni a wide lead.

He told journalists soldiers had beaten his security guard before taking up position around his house.

Voter turnout was at 57.22%, during which the authorities suspended access to the Internet and social networks, after a particular violent campaign.

Wine said on Friday he had video proof of voting fraud and would share the videos when internet connections are restored.

Museveni is one of the world’s longest serving leaders and has been in the top job since seizing control in 1986, when he helped to end years of tyranny under Idi Amin and Milton Obote.

Once hailed for his commitment to good governance, the former rebel leader has crushed any opposition and tweaked the constitution to allow himself to run again.

AFN/Nneka Ukachukwu