I am old, not senile, says President-elect Museveni

President elect Yoweri Museveni has opened up about his mission for his seventh term in office, which will extend his tenure to 45 years.

Speaking in an interview with Sky News at the Nakasero State Lodge, Museveni addressed concerns about his age and leadership, noting that he is still actively able to run the country. 

He insisted he was “not dead or senile” and still possessed valuable experience that could benefit the nation. 

“If I am still available, not dead or senile, I am still around and I have some knowledge; if you are serious about your country, why would you not want to take advantage of me?” he said

The 81 year old argued that if someone better had existed in previous election cycles, Ugandans would surely have elected them.

Museveni was yesterday declared winner of the January 15, 2026 presidential election, securing an unprecedented seventh term in office with approximately 71.65 % of the vote, according to the Electoral Commission. 

The veteran leader defeated his closest rival, Robert Kyagulanyi who garnered about 24.7 % of the vote. 

The announcement came after a tense campaign marked by controversy, including opposition criticism that the race was neither free nor fair.

The election period was overshadowed by a government-imposed internet shutdown, which began on 13 January and lasted several days, covering the run-up to the polling day and partly into the aftermath. 

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directed telecom operators to suspend public access to the internet, citing concerns about “misinformation, electoral fraud and risks of violence” during the election period. 

Critics, including international rights groups, condemned the blackout as an infringement on freedom of expression and a measure that undermined election transparency and public confidence. 

The shutdown disrupted mobile money services, online business transactions and everyday communication across the country, and was seen as part of broader efforts to control information and limit independent coverage of the vote.

While partial internet access began to return following the declaration of the results, many social media platforms remained inaccessible, leaving millions of Ugandans cut off from news, public debate and online commerce at a pivotal moment. 

The blackout, repeated from similar measures in previous elections, has raised alarm among civil society organisations that argue such tactics harm democratic processes and violate basic rights, particularly when imposed during crucial national events.

The election outcome was rejected by Bobi Wine and his National Unity Platform, with allegations of widespread irregularities, ballot stuffing and intimidation – claims denied by state authorities. 

International observers noted both peaceful aspects of the voting and serious concerns over the political environment, including the impact of the internet blackout on observers’ ability to monitor the process effectively.