Newscasts - Uganda partially restores internet after Museveni's seventh-term win

Bharti Airtel

19/01/2026 04:10

Click the following link to watch video: https://share.newscasts.refinitiv.com/link?entryId=1_wcoidp3l&referenceId=tag:reuters.com,2026:newsml_RW775119012026RP1_K15&pageId=Newscasts
Source: 'Reuters - General news videos'

Description: Ugandan authorities partially restored internet services late on Saturday (January 18) after 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term to extend his rule into a fifth decade with a landslide victory rejected by the opposition. Syakir Jasnee reports.

Short Link: https://lseg.group/4r0vy8S

Video Transcript:

Ugandan authorities partially restored Internet access late Saturday after 81‑year‑old President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term in Thursday's election. Internet services came back around 11:00PM local time, but social media stayed blocked. Telecom operator Airtel Uganda said it had proceeded with the restart so businesses could function again. Official results show Museveni won 71.6% of the votes cast. While his main rival, pop star turned politician, Bobi Wine, got 24%, the Uganda Communications Commission said it had cut off Internet to curb misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and related risks. The opposition, however, said it aimed to control the electoral process and ensure the incumbent's win. Locals in Kampala voiced mixed reactions to the results.

People should come back from the villages and work because I see no situation, no riots, and the voting is all over. Everyone needs to work, but they have that feeling that something bad might happen. That's why you see the streets are empty and even the markets are empty.

There's no change. We voted, but there's no joy. When someone has won, there are always celebrations, but it's only army on the streets. There's no change, so we are just here, nothing to add.

A joint report from an African Union and regional election observer team criticized the military's involvement in the election. They also criticized the decision to cut off the Internet. Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986, making him one of Africa's longest‑serving leaders. His new term will take him close to half a century in power by 2031. Many believe he is grooming his son, military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to succeed him.