Uganda Election: Museveni Takes Early Lead As Bobi Wine Placed Under House Arrest
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine was placed under house arrest on Friday, a day after national elections in which early official results showed a commanding lead for incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking to extend his nearly 40-year rule.
With about 25 per cent of votes counted, Uganda’s Electoral Commission said Museveni had secured 76.25 percent of the vote, while Wine trailed with 19.85 percent.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has faced persistent accusations of suppressing opposition voices ahead of the polls. Authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout earlier this week, drawing condemnation from rights groups and election observers.
Thursday’s election was marred by widespread technical failures, as biometric voter identification machines malfunctioned and ballot papers failed to arrive for hours in several polling units across the country.
The final results of the presidential and parliamentary elections are expected by 0200 GMT on Saturday.
Political analysts say the outcome appeared largely predictable, citing Museveni’s firm grip on state institutions and the security apparatus. The 81-year-old former guerrilla leader has faced little effective electoral challenge during his decades in power, often neutralising rivals through arrests, intimidation and legal obstacles.
Wine, 43, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has emerged as Museveni’s strongest challenger in recent election cycles. A former pop star turned politician, he commands strong support among Uganda’s youth and urban voters and refers to himself as the “ghetto president,” a nod to his upbringing in Kampala’s informal settlements.
Late Thursday, Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), said security forces had surrounded his residence, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest.
“The military and police have surrounded the residence of President Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest,” the party said in a post on X.
It further alleged that security personnel had breached the perimeter of the compound and begun erecting tents inside the property.
Journalists who visited the residence on Friday, reported a calm atmosphere but confirmed the presence of a military vehicle and several police officers stationed outside the compound.
Across the country, election day was characterised by a heavy security presence, with soldiers and police deployed at major roads, polling centres and opposition strongholds.
The United Nations human rights office had earlier warned that the election was taking place in an environment marked by “widespread repression and intimidation” against opposition figures, journalists and civil society groups.
Wine on Thursday accused the government of massive ballot stuffing and claimed that several officials of his party were attacked during the voting process, allegations the government has repeatedly denied.