… Bobi Wine placed under house arrest
By Obinna Uballa
Uganda’s long-serving President Yoweri Museveni took a commanding early lead in the country’s presidential election on Friday as opposition leader Bobi Wine was placed under house arrest, deepening concerns over repression and electoral credibility.
With about a quarter of the votes counted, figures released by the Electoral Commission showed Museveni, 81, polling 76.25 per cent, far ahead of Wine on 19.85 per cent, as the veteran leader seeks to extend his four-decade rule.
The election, held on Thursday, was marred by widespread technical and logistical challenges, including malfunctioning biometric voter verification machines and delays in the delivery of ballot papers in several parts of the country.
Final results from both the presidential and parliamentary polls are expected by 0200 GMT on Saturday.
Museveni, a former guerrilla leader who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has faced persistent accusations of suppressing opposition voices. His government imposed a nationwide internet blackout earlier in the week, further heightening tensions around the vote.
Analysts widely regard the contest as a foregone conclusion, citing Museveni’s firm grip on state institutions and the security apparatus, as well as his history of crushing political challengers.
Wine, 43, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has emerged in recent years as Museveni’s most formidable rival. A former pop star turned politician, he is popularly known as the “ghetto president,” a reference to his upbringing in Kampala’s informal settlements.
Late Thursday, Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform, 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,” the party wrote on X, alleging that security personnel had unlawfully entered the compound and were erecting tents within the premises.
AFP journalists who visited the residence on Friday reported a calm atmosphere, although a military vehicle and several police officers were stationed outside.
Security was heavy across the country on election day, with the United Nations human rights office warning last week that the polls were taking place in an environment characterised by “widespread repression and intimidation” of opposition groups.
Wine on Thursday accused the government of “massive ballot stuffing” and attacks on his party officials during the internet blackout imposed on Tuesday. His claims could not be independently verified.
