Museveni calls opponents “terrorists” in victory speech

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 81, accused his political opponents of “terrorism” in a victory speech delivered after electoral authorities declared him the winner of the January 15, 2026, presidential election.

Speaking on Sunday, Museveni said the opposition had sought to use violence to challenge the outcome and alleged that the National Unity Platform (NUP) planned attacks on polling stations in areas where it was performing poorly. He warned those he described as “traitors” to stop what he said were destabilisation efforts as first reported by The guardian .

Official results showed Museveni winning about 71.6% of the vote, extending his rule dating back to 1986 into a seventh term. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, was credited with about 24.7% and publicly rejected the outcome, alleging fraud.

Kyagulanyi’s whereabouts were disputed over the weekend after he said he had escaped a police operation at his home and was in hiding. Police denied carrying out a raid and said he remained at home, while journalists reported being blocked from accessing the area.

The election drew criticism from African observer groups and rights organisations. Observer missions represented by former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan said reports of intimidation, arrests and abductions created fear and weakened public confidence in the process.  Human Rights Watch also criticised the election-period internet shutdown in Uganda, calling for full restoration of access.

Uganda’s government cut off internet access in the days around the vote, arguing it was needed to curb misinformation and prevent violence. Some connectivity later returned, but authorities said the ban on social media platforms would remain in place until further notice.

A heavy security presence in Kampala and isolated incidents after results were announced, including the use of tear gas in parts of the capital. The most serious violence claims highlighted in reports involved Butambala district, where an opposition lawmaker said security forces killed at least 10 people; police said the deaths followed clashes linked to an alleged attack on a tallying centre and nearby police station.

SOURCE: The guardian