Uganda's Election: Museveni Declared Winner Amidst Global Scrutiny

Acting President Kembo Mohadi has congratulated Uganda’s long-serving leader Yoweri Museveni on his latest electoral victory, despite widespread reports of irregularities, repression and a contested outcome. Mohadi’s congratulatory remarks come against the backdrop of an election widely criticised by opposition parties, civil society groups and international observers for serious anomalies. In a statement Tuesday, Mohadi described the vote as an emphatic verdict from the people of the Republic of Uganda and a testament of the trust the people of Uganda have in your tested leadership. “On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and on my own behalf, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to you, Dear Brother, on your electoral victory. “Your election is a testament of the trust the people of Uganda have in your tested leadership,” Mohadi said. Mohadi also said Zimbabwe remains committed to strengthening ties with Uganda praising the two countries’ long-standing friendship and promised closer cooperation both between the two governments and in international forums. “As we join you in celebrating this emphatic verdict from the people of the Republic of Uganda, I wish to reaffirm my country’s commitment to deepen and broaden our two brotherly countries’ long-shared history of friendship and collaboration. “We look forward to working closely with you, Dear Brother, to enhance and reinforce these mutually beneficial relations in the years ahead at both bilateral and multilateral fora, on issues of common interest.” Uganda’s election period was marked by reports of a heavy military and police presence, arrests and harassment of opposition supporters, restrictions on opposition campaigning, and repeated internet shutdowns that disrupted communication and independent reporting. Opposition leaders rejected the results, alleging vote rigging and intimidation, while rights organisations documented violence and the suppression of dissent in several parts of the country. Despite these concerns, Zimbabwe joined a small group of governments that moved quickly to endorse Museveni’s victory, drawing scrutiny given Harare’s own disputed electoral history and long-standing criticism over democratic backsliding.