Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has accused opposition figures of terrorism shortly after securing a controversial seventh term in office at the age of 81.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, made the remarks on Sunday while addressing the nation after official election results declared him winner of last Thursday’s presidential poll with 72 per cent of the votes.
The election outcome, however, has drawn widespread criticism from African election observers and human rights organisations, who raised concerns over heavy-handed repression of opposition groups and a nationwide internet shutdown imposed ahead of the vote.
During his victory speech, Museveni alleged that opposition parties—particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP) led by Bobi Wine—planned violent attacks on polling units in areas where they were trailing.
“Some of the opposition are wrong and are also terrorists,” Museveni stated, claiming they collaborated with “foreigners and some homosexual groups” in an attempt to destabilise the country.
He further warned alleged collaborators to desist, insisting security agencies were fully aware of their activities.
Museveni defended the conduct of security forces, maintaining that their actions were aimed at preventing violence and preserving order during the election period.
Bobi Wine’s Whereabouts Unclear As Tension Persists
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounded the location of opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, after he officially scored 25 per cent of the vote.
Wine claimed on Saturday that he narrowly escaped a police raid on his residence and had gone into hiding. However, Ugandan police denied carrying out any such operation, insisting that the opposition figure remained at home, even as journalists were barred from accessing the area.
The former presidential candidate has remained silent on social media platform 𝕏 since Saturday, when he described the election as a “blatant theft of the presidential election.”
Although limited internet services were restored later that day, the Ugandan government announced that restrictions on social media platforms would remain in place indefinitely. Authorities justified the earlier shutdown, which began two days before the election, as a measure to curb misinformation and incitement to violence.
Calm Returns Amid Rights Concerns
Despite reports of isolated protests in parts of Kampala, where tear gas was deployed late Saturday, Uganda has remained largely calm following the announcement of results. By Sunday, security presence had reduced, shops reopened, and residents resumed daily activities.
According to AFP, political analysts described the election as largely predictable due to Museveni’s firm control over state institutions and security forces. Nonetheless, many citizens continue to credit his administration with maintaining relative peace and economic stability.
However, Human Rights Watch accused the government of orchestrating “brutal repression” against opposition figures in the lead-up to the election.
African election observers, including a delegation from the African Union, reported incidents of intimidation, arrests, and abductions that allegedly created fear and undermined confidence in the electoral process.
The most severe violence was reported in Butambala, central Uganda, where an opposition lawmaker alleged that security forces killed at least 10 people at his residence on election day. Museveni supported police claims that the incident occurred during an attempted attack on a ballot collation centre and nearby police station, adding that similar plots were planned nationwide.
Meanwhile, veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who previously contested the presidency four times against Museveni, remains on trial for treason following his reported abduction in Kenya in 2024 and subsequent return to Uganda.