Uganda's President Museveni takes commanding election lead, deadly violence reported

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, leader of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, addresses supporters during his final rally ahead of the general election, in Kampala, Uganda, January 13, 2026. REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa

KAMPALA, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Veteran Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni ‌held a commanding lead in early presidential election results announced on Friday as conflicting accounts emerged of violence reported ‌after the vote.

Museveni, who is 81 and has ruled Uganda since seizing power in 1986, wants a decisive ‌victory following a campaign marred by violence at opposition rallies.