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President Yoweri Museveni has taken a commanding early lead as votes continue to be tallied in Uganda’s presidential election, according to figures released by the Electoral Commission.
Based on results from nearly half of the polling stations, the electoral commission said on Friday that Museveni had secured 76.25 per cent of the vote. His closest challenger, opposition figure and pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, trailed with 19.85 per cent, while the remaining votes were shared among six other candidates.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, was earlier quoted as saying he expected to win about 80 per cent of the vote, provided the process was free of manipulation. A victory would hand him a seventh term in office.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has alleged widespread electoral fraud in the poll, which was conducted under an internet blackout that drew criticism from international bodies.
His National Unity Platform (NUP) party said security forces had surrounded his residence in Kampala, effectively placing him under house arrest. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, however, said he was unaware of any restrictions on Wine.
During the campaign, Wine’s rallies were frequently disrupted by security forces using tear gas and ammunition, with at least one person killed and hundreds arrested, actions the government said were responses to disorderly conduct.
The voting process was also affected by significant delays, with some polling stations opening up to four hours late due to what officials described as technical challenges.
Uganda has not experienced a peaceful transfer of presidential power since gaining independence from Britain more than 60 years ago, and Museveni already ranks among Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Although Wine had urged supporters to protest, there were no reports of demonstrations during voting hours. However, violence was reported overnight in Butambala, southwest of Kampala.
