Uganda's President Museveni re-elected to 6th term

Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has been re-elected for a sixth term in office, the electoral commission announced on Saturday.

Museveni, who has led the country since 1986, garnered 58.6 percent of the vote in the Jan 14 presidential elections, with his closest rival, Robert Kyagulanyi, a musician-politician who goes by the stage name Bobi Wine, garnering 34.8 percent of the vote.

Kyagulanyi, 38, rejected the poll results, saying he had evidence of fraud that he will present once the internet is restored in the country.

In his victory speech on Saturday evening, Museveni refuted the fraud claim, noting that the poll may turn out to be the "most cheat-free election" in the country since it gained independence in 1962.

The Uganda Communications Commission ordered all internet providers in the country to shut down all social media platforms and messaging applications on Jan 12.

During the campaign period, Museveni 76, lashed out at Kyagulanyi as being supported by "homosexuals" and "foreigners". Kyagulanyi on the other hand, branded Museveni as a 'dictator'.

Museveni argued that his long experience in leadership makes him a good leader and promised to ensure stability and growth in the country.

The campaigns were marred with violence and police crackdowns at opposition rallies, leaving scores dead and injured.

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya congratulated Museveni for the win, terming his re-election as a testimony of the confidence that the people of Uganda have in his leadership.

Kenyatta said he looks forward to continue working with Museveni in deepening the strong bilateral ties between Kenya and Uganda for the mutual benefit of the citizens of the two countries.

He said Uganda had achieved stability and registered consistent economic growth under Museveni.

He made assurances of Kenya's commitment to continue partnering with Uganda in advancing a regional and continental integration agenda through the East African Community, the African Union and other multilateral platforms.