Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election held on Thursday, securing a seventh term in office.
According to official results announced by the electoral commission, Museveni polled 71.65 percent of the total votes, defeating his main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, who garnered 24.72 percent.
The 81-year-old has been in power for more than four decades.
Since assuming office, Museveni has overseen constitutional changes on two occasions to remove presidential age and term limits, allowing him to extend his rule.
Thursday’s election was marred by reports of violence and allegations of widespread electoral malpractice.
In the lead-up to the vote, the government shut down internet services nationwide, saying the move was aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation.
Uganda’s security agencies have confirmed that at least seven people were killed during election-related violence.
But 43-year-old Wine has rejected the outcome of the poll, describing the results as fraudulent.
Speaking earlier from an undisclosed location, the opposition candidate said he was forced into hiding after security operatives raided his residence.
Wine, who had earlier been reported missing amid claims of abduction by the military, said he escaped during the raid and is now in hiding.
“I reiterate our complete rejection of the fake results being announced,” Wine said in a social media post, accusing authorities of ballot stuffing and military interference in the electoral process.
