In the ongoing presidential election in Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni appears to be heading for a significant victory, securing approximately 74% of the votes cast, while his principal challenger, Bobi Wine, trails with 23%, based on the results from 81% of the polling stations. This election, held on Thursday, has seen Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, seeking his seventh term amid a climate of contention and allegations of electoral fraud.
Allegations of fraud and security concerns
In a dramatic turn of events, Bobi Wine’s party has voiced serious concerns regarding the validity of the election results. They reported on social media that a helicopter landed at Wine’s residence in Kampala and abducted him, a claim that remains unverified due to internet access issues across the nation. His son has stated that both he and his mother have been captured by military forces, but official confirmation of this incident is still pending.
Earlier, Wine claimed he was under house arrest, surrounded by security personnel, following his allegations of electoral malpractice. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke indicated that the heightened security around Wine’s residence was for his protection as a presidential contender. However, several local journalists reported being barred from reaching his home, raising concerns about media freedom and access to information during this critical period.
“We are on course to announce the winner of the presidential election within 48 hours,” said electoral chief Simon Byabakama.
Wine urged his supporters to disregard the announced results, labeling them as “fake” and accusing the authorities of vote theft, although he has yet to provide substantiating evidence. Meanwhile, reports emerged of violent clashes during the vote counting, with at least seven opposition supporters reportedly killed in Butambala, approximately 55 kilometers from Kampala. The violence was initially concealed by an internet shutdown imposed earlier in the week.
Delays and disruptions during voting
The electoral process has faced numerous challenges, including delays in voting at many polling stations, where technical failures resulted in ballot boxes arriving late and biometric verification machines malfunctioning. These delays have been attributed to the nationwide network blackout, which the Uganda Communications Commission justified as a measure to prevent misinformation and violence.
Despite the presence of six other candidates, the election has largely been seen as a two-candidate race between Museveni and Wine. During the campaign period, there have been widespread allegations of repression and intimidation against opposition activities, with many claiming that security forces have targeted Wine’s supporters. In response, Rusoke dismissed these allegations, suggesting that it was the opposition factions that instigated disturbances.
The United Nations’ Human Rights Office previously expressed concerns about the electoral environment, indicating that the election process has been marred by widespread intimidation. With the counting of votes still underway, attention is focused on the final announcement expected soon, which officials assure will be delivered within the next 48 hours.