Uganda's Museveni wins seventh presidential term, officials say

Official results gave President Yoweri Museveni about 71.65% of the vote while challenger Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) received 24.72%. Opposition figures have disputed the outcome and cited voting disruptions including the failure of biometric voter ID machines.

Official results released Saturday say President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term with about 71.65% of the vote. Challenger Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine, is reported to have received 24.72% and has rejected the official outcome. Voting in some urban areas was delayed after biometric voter identification machines failed and officials used paper registers. Over recent years, constitutional changes have removed presidential term and age limits and several potential rivals have been jailed or sidelined. Reported details: - Election authorities reported Museveni received about 71.65% of the vote and Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) about 24.72%. - Kyagulanyi and his party said they would reject the official outcome and accused authorities of unfair practices. - Electoral officials said biometric voter identification machines failed in some urban areas and paper registers were used instead. - Wine's party reported that polling agents were detained and that access to the candidate's residence was restricted; police described some of those reports as deceitful and said he was not under arrest. - Commentators noted that legal and political changes in recent years have reduced obstacles to Museveni's continued rule, and some opposition figures remain imprisoned. Summary: The official declaration gives Museveni a seventh term while opposition leaders dispute the result. The failure of biometric machines and reports about detained polling agents are likely to shape any legal challenges. Undetermined at this time.