Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Thursday’s general election, extending his rule of the East African nation to more than four decades after securing another five year term in office. The Electoral Commission announced that Museveni won 72% of the vote, while his main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, received 25%.

In a victory address delivered on Sunday, Museveni accused opposition forces of attempting to undermine the electoral process, branding them “terrorists.” He alleged that Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) had planned violent attacks on polling stations in areas where they were losing, claims that the opposition has strongly denied.

Bobi Wine, a popular musician turned politician whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, rejected the election outcome, describing the results as “fake” and accusing authorities of widespread ballot stuffing, intimidation, and voter suppression. His party has previously reported arrests of supporters, restrictions on rallies, and a heavy security presence in opposition strongholds during the campaign period.

Museveni, 80, has ruled Uganda since 1986 and is one of Africa’s longest serving leaders. His presidency has been marked by periods of economic growth and relative stability, alongside persistent criticism from human rights groups over restrictions on political freedoms, media crackdowns, and the treatment of opposition figures. International observers have repeatedly raised concerns about the fairness of Uganda’s elections, particularly regarding the use of state security forces.

The latest election outcome is expected to further intensify political tensions in the country, as opposition leaders consider legal and political options to challenge the results amid calls for calm from regional and international partners.