Uganda’s Museveni celebrates election win with his cows

Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni celebrated extending his three decades in power with a walk with his beloved cows, after an election termed as fraudulent by opposition chief Kizza Besigye and criticised by the international observers, says AFP.

One of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, Museveni was on Saturday announced the winner of the country’s presidential election with 60.8 percent of the vote, far ahead of the 35.4 percent garnered by opposition candidate Kizza Besigye.

Besigye cried foul over the poll results and appealed to the international community not to recognise them.

Ex-prime minister Amama Mbabazi, a former ruling party stalwart who trailed in a distant third position with just over one percent of the vote, also said the election was “fundamentally flawed” and that the official results were “not a reflection of the will of the Ugandan people.”

In contrast with the images of Besigye’s besieged home, pictures released by the government showed a relaxed Museveni walking in the midst of his long-horn cattle and chatting with their herders, wielding a stick and wearing his trademark wide-brimmed hat, AFP reports.

Another photograph showed the 71-year-old leader surrounded by his family.

After Thursday’s at times chaotic election, which saw him return to power for a fifth term, Museveni said he planned to “go for my cross-country walk to exercise and then go to my cows.”

Born in western Uganda to a cattle-rearing family, he has always said he plans to be a herder after retirement. He is expected to address the nation later on Sunday.

Despite the controversy, several African leaders extended their congratulations, including President Uhuru Kenyatta who wished Museveni “every success as he serves his nation for another term.”