Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of a contentious election, extending his 40-year rule to a seventh term amid an internet blackout and fierce opposition cries of foul play.

The Electoral Commission’s announcement this evening, awarding the 81-year-old leader 71.61% of the vote, effectively cements his grip on power until 2031. For his main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), who garnered 24.72%, the results are "a fabrication born of fear," delivered while the nation remains plunged in digital darkness and his own home is under military siege.

A Victory in the Dark

The atmosphere in Kampala is thick with tension. While NRM supporters celebrate a "decisive mandate," the streets tell a quieter, more anxious story. The internet shutdown, now in its fifth day, has crippled communication and fueled rumors of ballot stuffing.

• The Numbers: Museveni polled 7.9 million votes against Wine’s 2.7 million.
• The Blackout: The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) severed connectivity on January 13, citing "national security."
• The Opposition: Bobi Wine’s home in Magere remains surrounded by security forces, a tactic he describes as "house arrest by another name."

Election observers from the African Union have called for calm, but the silence of the digital sphere speaks volumes. "You cannot have a transparent process in the dark," noted a Nairobi-based analyst. "This victory will always carry an asterisk."

Regional Implications

For Kenya, a stable Uganda is crucial. As our largest trading partner, any instability across the border sends shockwaves through the shilling and disrupts the flow of goods to the hinterland. President Ruto’s administration will be watching closely, balancing diplomatic congratulations with the reality of a neighbor whose democracy appears increasingly fragile.