Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni appeared set to extend his 40-year rule on Friday, taking a commanding early lead in the presidential election while opposition leader Bobi Wine was placed under house arrest.
With about a quarter of votes counted, the Electoral Commission reported Museveni on 76.25 per cent and Wine, 43, on 19.85 per cent. Final results for both the presidential and parliamentary elections are expected by 0200 GMT on Saturday.
Thursday’s election was plagued by technical glitches, including malfunctioning biometric machines meant to verify voters’ identities and delays in the delivery of ballot papers in several areas.
Museveni, 81, has faced persistent accusations of suppressing opposition, controlling the security apparatus, and limiting media freedoms. Earlier this week, his government imposed a nationwide internet blackout, raising further concerns about transparency.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has emerged in recent years as Museveni’s main rival. Known as the “ghetto president” for his roots in Kampala’s informal settlements, he has accused authorities of “massive ballot stuffing” and attacks on his party officials, though these claims could not be independently verified.
Late Thursday, Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform, reported that military and police forces had surrounded his residence, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest. Security personnel were also said to have entered the compound and erected tents inside.
AFP journalists who visited the residence on Friday noted an outwardly calm scene, though police and a military vehicle were stationed outside. Security presence across Uganda remained heavy on election day.
The United Nations rights office had warned that the elections were being held amid “widespread repression and intimidation” against opposition members, highlighting the challenging environment in which the vote took place.
Analysts say the election outcome appears largely predetermined given Museveni’s long-standing control over the state and security institutions, as well as his history of neutralising political challengers.
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