Museveni Holds 61.7% Lead in Initial Presidential Election Results in Uganda

Preliminary outcomes from Uganda's presidential election reveal that President Yoweri Museveni is significantly ahead with 61.7% of the votes counted so far.

Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, announced that a total of 23,049 valid votes have been counted, along with 796 invalid ballots, as the 81-year-old incumbent strives to maintain his nearly 40-year reign.

Byabakama characterized the election as "generally peaceful" and mentioned that the vote counting has been completed in several regions. He appealed to all contenders, their representatives, and supporters to exercise calmness and tolerance as the process of announcing the final results commences.

The election has occurred under a backdrop of internet disruptions and technical setbacks, drawing keen observation from both national and international spectators. Museveni, who is recognized as Africa’s longest- serving president, is seeking to extend his leadership, which began in 1986, for another term.

"Vote counting has been finalized in numerous locations, and as the announcement of results progresses, the commission encourages all candidates, their agents, and supporters to remain calm and tolerant," stated Byabakama in a message following the elections held on Monday.