By Alexander Mackey Okori
Ugandan President Yoweri Tibuhabura Kaguta Museveni, has extended his four decades in power by another five years after securing landslide victory in the just concluded Presidential polls.
The Chairperson Election Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi on Saturday, January, 17, 2026, declared Museveni as president elect with 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65 percent.
His closest challenger Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP) nicknamed as Bobi Wine came second with 2,741,238 votes, accounting for 24.72 percent.
James Nathan Nandala Mafabi of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) took the third place with 209,039 votes, representing 1.88 percent.
Gregory Mugisha Muntu Oyera of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) polled 59,276 votes, accounting for 0.53 percent in his name, Frank Bulira Kabinga managed 45,959 votes, representing 0.41, r percent.
National Peasants Party (NPP) candidate Robert Kasibante, got 33,440 votes accounting for 0.30 percent, Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga-Common Man’s Party (CMP) polled 31,666 votes, equivalent to 0.29 percent while Joseph Mabirizi, polled 23,458 votes representing 0.21 percent.
Announcing the results, Byabakama observed that at least 21, 649, 067 Ugandans had registered to cast their ballots for the 2026 general polls at 50, 739 polling stations across the country.
He revealed that the total number of valid votes cast stood at 11,366, 201, amounting to 52.0 percent of the registered voters, while 275,353 votes, presenting 2.42 percent were considered invalid.
Byabakama commended the voters and all stakeholders involved for playing a vital role in ensuring successful and peaceful conduct of the just concluded elections.
He said that despite failure of the biometric voter verification machines (BVVK) which caused delays in the voting process, the conduct of the election was peaceful across the country.
“The commission has been able to execute various milestones under the electoral program, leading to the elections that are now underway. There is no doubt that without the participation of the people of Uganda and other stakeholders, we would haven’t reached where we are now, I salute you all, said Byabakama.
Byabakama further asked supporters of both factions to embrace unity and accept the results, urging those who may not be satisfied with the outcome of the elections to seek redress through the right channels.
He said that there are adequate laws in Uganda that provide an avenue for addressing any such concerns or grievances.
