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Yoweri Museveni Wins Contested Election, Set to Extend 40-Year Rule in Uganda

In a highly contested election, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner, prompting accusations of fraud and calls for protests from opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Source: bbc.co.uk1 min read
Yoweri Museveni Wins Contested Election, Set to Extend 40-Year Rule in Uganda
Image via bbc.co.uk

In brief

Yoweri Museveni's electoral victory means he will extend his presidency, which began in 1986, by another five years. Despite the electoral commission's claims of a significant majority, opposition leader Bobi Wine has condemned the results as fraudulent and is calling for peaceful protests. The election was marred by violence, internet blackouts, and allegations of voter suppression, raising concerns over democracy in Uganda.

President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Thursday's election and is set to extend his 40 years in power by another five years.

He got a huge majority, according to the election commission, ahead of his closest challenger Bobi Wine, who has condemned the fake results.

Wine has called on Ugandans to hold non-violent protests.

Museveni, 81, first came to power as a rebel leader in 1986 but since then has won seven elections.

The election has been marred by violence and Wine, a 43-year-old former pop star, says that at least 21 people have been killed.

The authorities have so far confirmed seven deaths.

Access to the internet has been cut in the country since Tuesday, making it hard to verify information.

The authorities say the blackout was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud and the incitement of violence - a move condemned by the UN human rights office as deeply worrying.

Wine has demanded that the internet be restored.

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