Museveni, the opposition leader at large, is re-elected in Uganda.

The outcome gives the 81-year-old Museveni the resounding win he needed to strengthen his political standing.

KAMPALA (Reuters) Following a battle characterized by violent episodes and accusations of fraud, veteran President Yoweri Museveni was proclaimed the clear victor of Uganda’s presidential election on Saturday, extending his control into a fifth decade.

As speculation about his impending succession grows, the outcome gives the 81-year-old Museveni the conclusive win he desired to strengthen his political position.

At a ceremony on Saturday in Kampala, the country’s capital, Uganda’s election commission declared that Museveni had garnered just less than 72% of the vote.

Pop singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, his primary opponent, received 24% of the vote.

Wine has urged on followers to protest after alleging widespread fraud during the poll, which was conducted under an internet shutdown that officials claimed was necessary to stop “misinformation”. Wine claimed to have fled a military assault on his home, but it was unclear where he was on Saturday.

Reuters was informed by those close to him that he was still at large in Uganda.

“It was really challenging in our house last night. We were raided by the police and the military. In a post on X, Wine—real name Robert Kyagulanyi—said, “They turned off the power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras.”

“I want to make sure that I was able to get away from them. I’m not at home right now.”

Reuters was unable to quickly confirm his claim that his wife and other family members were under house detention.