Museveni declared President-elect as Ugandans react to election outcome

18 January 2026, 11:29 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the declaration of Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Museveni Kaguta as the newly elected President of the Republic of Uganda by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, yesterday at the Commission’s headquarters in Lubowa, Makindye Sabagabo, Wakiso District, several citizens have shared their views on the just-concluded presidential election.

Agnes Nyakato, a voter from Lubaga North Division in Kampala District, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) still has more to achieve for the country.

“I am overwhelmed with joy because my candidate has won the race. I know President Museveni has his challenges as a leader, but we shouldn’t forget what he has done for this country. In 1986, I was still young when they came to power, but when you compare how the country was then and how it is now, you have to accept that President Museveni has achieved a lot,” Nyakato said.

She urged the president to give young people opportunities to serve in his new cabinet.

“We have many young people who have studied extensively and know what to do. I pray that they are given the opportunity to serve their country, and that those who have been in government for a long time retire. Young people should also be given a chance to be close to the president and tell him what they need,” she added.

Nyakato further noted that some of the president’s close associates may not fully understand the challenges facing young people, yet the president wants them to actively participate in the money economy.

Meanwhile, Ivan Kanyike, a city dweller and voter in Kampala Central Division, congratulated the president on his victory but raised concerns over the conduct of some security officers following the announcement.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate the president on resuming his seat. I only request him to fulfil what he promised people during the campaigns. I also ask him to work with some of the people who contested against him for the betterment of our country because they have good manifestos,” Kanyike said.

“I know you cannot adopt everything, but you can select some ideas and incorporate them into your manifesto to ensure services reach the people,” he added.

Kanyike also appealed to security officers to exercise professionalism.

“After the announcement yesterday, some people were beaten while trying to express their disagreement with the declaration. Much as I don’t agree with them, there was a better and more professional way to handle the situation than beating people,” he said.

Other leaders who congratulated the president include Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, all of whom hailed Museveni for securing another five-year term.

According to the Electoral Commission results, the candidates received the following votes: Bulira Frank – 45,959; Kasibante Moses – 33,440; Mubarak Munyagwa – 31,666; Nandala Mafabi – 209,039; Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu – 2,741,238; Mabirizi Elton – 23,458; and Mugisha Muntu – 59,276. Invalid votes totalled 275,353, with a total of 11,366,201 votes cast.

President-elect Yoweri Museveni is expected to be sworn in this May, as the current term expires on 12 May.