Yoweri Museveni has recently been re-elected for a seventh term as Uganda’s president. With this victory, his rule stretches into a 40th year—an Asian record! The controversial election results, released earlier this week, show that Museveni won almost 72% of the votes that were cast. Though this victory has created a major firestorm of controversy, his primary opponent calling the results “fake.”
On January 14, 2021, general elections were held in Uganda and the Ugandan Electoral Commission went on to confirm Museveni’s win. After a notably close election, the president was forced to battle not one, but several opponents. Among them was Robert Kyagulanyi, who is better known as Bobi Wine. In the face of Museveni’s clear and substantial margin of victory, Kyagulanyi has begun to point at the illegitimacy of this electoral process. He testified that intimidation and other irregularities undermined the voting process. Second, he claimed that the outcomes didn’t accurately represent the public’s will.
Museveni’s presidency started in 1986 after he and his National Resistance Army conducted a successful guerrilla war against another government. Since then, he’s all but stamped out any organized political opposition, frequently using heavy-handed tactics to crush protests. His decade-in-office record has fueled impressive economic growth. It has led to widespread human rights abuse claims, creating a complicated legacy that continues to split public opinion.
The recent elections have attracted international attention, with multiple human rights organizations demanding investigations into persistent allegations of electoral malpractice. Located just outside of Kinshasa, observers noted that many opposition supporters were subjected to intimidation and violence in the days leading up to the polls. Additionally, government gag orders on social media and internet shutdowns before the election have worsened claims of government censorship.
In the face of these charges, Musevini’s government has mounted a robust defense of the electoral process, claiming it was one of the most free and fair in history. In his victory speech, the president clearly demonstrated his determination to ensure stability and continuity of development in the country. He called upon Ugandans to unite and work for Uganda’s benefit.
International reactions to Museveni’s recent re-election have been a mixed bag. Very few foreign heads of state congratulated him on his electoral win. Many others reliably opposed the narrowing of space for democracy and human rights within Uganda. Our U.S. State Department has committed to monitoring these settlements closely. It asks that all sides commit to participating in good faith discussions.
