Kampala, Uganda- As Uganda wakes up to a new week, the country faces mounting unrest after the 15 January presidential election ended with long-time leader Yoweri Museveni declared the winner. A result rejected by the opposition and sparking deadly clashes across the country. Security forces have detained more than 2,000 supporters of opposition leader Bobi Wine and announced that at least 30 people have been killed in the wake of protests, according to military officials.
Museveni, 81, has secured a seventh term in office with roughly 72 % of the vote, extending nearly four decades in power . His victory comes amid accusations of internet blackouts and a heavy security presence that critics say stifled dissent. Opposition figures say the electoral process was fraught with irregularities, including ballot stuffing and intimidation at polling stations, and they refuse to accept the outcome. Bobi Wine the youthful former pop star turned politician has urged supporters to reject the results and pushed for street protests. Wine has reportedly gone into hiding after security forces raided his home in Kampala, with his party alleging the actions were meant to silence him.
In multiple regions, small protests erupted but were quickly dispersed by police and military units. Witnesses reported tear gas and aggressive crowd control measures in parts of the capital. In the tense run-up to the elections, the government imposed a nationwide internet blackout, later easing connectivity but continuing to restrict access to major social media and messaging platforms. Citizens turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent the blocks, leading to a spike in VPN usage. Authorities claim the restrictions were necessary to prevent misinformation and protect public order, but rights groups decried the move as an attack on free expression ahead of a critical vote.
The United Nations has voiced concern over the arrests, reported deaths, and ongoing detention of opposition supporters, calling on Ugandan authorities to uphold human rights and the rule of law. Analysts say the post election tensions reflect a deeper divide in Ugandan society between an entrenched leadership and a youthful, increasingly vocal generation demanding political change. Observers warn that continued repression could fuel more widespread unrest if solutions aren’t found soon.