Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni is heading toward another election victory as early results from the presidential poll show him with a commanding lead. At the same time, his main challenger Bobi Wine has rejected the outcome, alleging fraud and intimidation as tensions rise across the country.
Figures released by the Electoral Commission indicate that Museveni has secured about 74 percent of the vote, while Wine trails with roughly 23 percent, based on returns from more than four-fifths of polling stations. Although the final results have not yet been announced, the margin has reinforced expectations that Museveni will extend his long rule.
The opposition National Unity Platform claims that security forces forcibly removed Bobi Wine from his home in the capital, Kampala. Party officials said a military helicopter landed at his residence and took him to an unknown location. Wine’s son later alleged that both of his parents had been seized by the military, claims that have been difficult to independently verify due to restricted internet access.
Earlier, Bobi Wine said he had been placed under house arrest, with security forces surrounding his home shortly after he accused authorities of rigging the vote. Police later described him as a “person of interest” and said the security deployment was for his protection. Local journalists reported being blocked from accessing his residence in the Magere area.
As vote counting continued, Wine urged supporters to ignore what he described as “fake results,” accusing authorities of stealing the election. He has not provided evidence for the claims, and government officials have not publicly responded to the allegations.
Reports of violence also emerged following the vote. At least seven opposition supporters were killed in disputed circumstances in Butambala district, southwest of Kampala. Opposition figures say security forces used tear gas and live ammunition on crowds following early results announcements. Police dispute this account, saying officers acted in self-defence after being attacked.
Security has been tightened nationwide, and foreign missions have issued alerts warning of the use of tear gas and force to disperse gatherings. The internet shutdown imposed earlier in the week has limited the flow of information and delayed reporting on incidents linked to the election.
Museveni, 81, has ruled Uganda since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term after removing presidential age and term limits. Bobi Wine, 43, a former pop star turned politician, has built a strong following among young voters by promising to fight corruption and push for sweeping reforms. Rights groups and the United Nations had warned ahead of the vote that the election would take place in an atmosphere of repression and intimidation.
With final results expected within 48 hours, many Ugandans believe the direction of the race is already clear. Still, the allegations raised by the opposition and reports of violence are likely to fuel further debate over the credibility of the process and the future of Uganda’s democracy.
