Early results from Uganda's presidential election show the long-serving leader, Yoweri Museveni, holding a commanding lead, as reports of post-voting violence and allegations of mass fraud cast a shadow over the poll.
Early Results Point to Museveni Victory
The electoral commission announced on Friday that, with nearly half of polling stations counted, Museveni had secured 76.25% of the vote. His main rival, the popular singer and politician Bobi Wine, trailed significantly with 19.85%. Six other candidates shared the remainder of the tally.
Museveni, 81, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, told reporters after voting on Thursday that he expected to win with around 80% of the vote "if there's no cheating". The election was conducted under a nationwide internet blackout, which authorities stated was necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Allegations of Fraud and Repression
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, swiftly rejected the early figures, alleging widespread electoral fraud. He called on his supporters to protest the outcome. The election period was marked by a repressive atmosphere, with the UN human rights office noting it took place in an environment of "widespread repression and intimidation".
During the campaign, security forces repeatedly disrupted Wine's rallies with teargas and live bullets, leading to arrests and at least one death. The government defended these actions as a response to lawlessness by opposition supporters.
Deadly Violence Mars Post-Election Night
While voting day itself passed without major incident, violence flared overnight in the town of Butambala, approximately 35 miles southwest of the capital, Kampala. Conflicting accounts emerged from the scene.
Prominent human rights activist Agather Atuhaire stated that soldiers and police killed at least 10 opposition supporters who had gathered at the home of MP Muwanga Kivumbi to follow results. Citing an account from rights activist Zahara Nampewo, Atuhaire said security forces fired teargas and then live rounds at people inside the compound.
Local police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe offered a contradictory version, claiming that opposition "goons" armed with machetes and axes had attacked a police station, prompting officers to fire in self-defence. She confirmed fatalities and injuries but did not provide numbers. Reuters could not independently verify the circumstances.
In a further escalation, Bobi Wine's National Unity Platform party claimed late on Thursday that the military and police had surrounded his home in Kampala, effectively placing him under house arrest. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke denied knowledge of any such order. Wine was similarly confined after the disputed 2021 election.
The unfolding situation in Uganda raises serious concerns about democratic integrity and civil liberties, echoing recent political tensions seen in neighbouring East African nations.
