Early results from Uganda’s national election indicate a strong lead for the incumbent president, while reports of violence and the detention of a leading opposition figure have cast a shadow over the electoral process.
The principal opposition candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, was reportedly removed from his Kampala residence by military personnel on Friday. His political party stated he was taken to an undisclosed location. Government and military spokespersons have not yet commented on the incident.
This development follows a presidential election held under a nationwide internet shutdown, which authorities stated was necessary to curb the spread of false information. Kyagulanyi has denounced the vote, alleging widespread electoral fraud and urging his supporters to demonstrate.
Separately, a senior opposition member reported a deadly attack at his home early Friday. He stated that security forces stormed the property, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals from his campaign team who were awaiting local election results. A police spokesperson offered a conflicting account, alleging that armed opposition supporters had attacked a nearby police station and vote-tallying center, prompting security forces to act in self-defense.
Kyagulanyi, a former musician who has positioned himself as the primary challenger to the long-standing government, had previously claimed on Thursday that security forces had surrounded his home, effectively placing him under house arrest.
Voting on Thursday proceeded without major reported disturbances, following a campaign period marked by tensions. The incumbent president, in power since 1986, expressed confidence in a decisive victory as he cast his ballot.
By Friday evening, electoral officials reported the incumbent holding a commanding lead with approximately 74% of the vote counted, with Kyagulanyi trailing at 23%. The final official results are expected imminently.