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Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine was placed under house arrest on Friday, a day after national elections in which early results showed President Yoweri Museveni holding a commanding lead as he seeks to extend his nearly four-decade rule.
With about a quarter of the votes counted, the Electoral Commission announced that Museveni was leading with 76.25 per cent, while Wine trailed with 19.85 per cent.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has faced widespread criticism over alleged brutal repression of the opposition ahead of the vote. Authorities also imposed a nationwide internet blackout earlier this week, further fuelling concerns about transparency and civil liberties.
Voting Challenges and Security Clampdown
Thursday’s election was marred by significant logistical and technical challenges. In several areas, biometric voter verification machines malfunctioned, while ballot papers were delivered hours late, delaying the voting process.
The final results of the presidential and parliamentary elections are expected by 0200 GMT on Saturday.
Security was visibly heavy across the country on election day, with military and police personnel deployed in key locations.
Bobi Wine Under House Arrest
Wine, 43, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has emerged in recent years as Museveni’s most formidable challenger. A former musician, he is popularly known as the “Ghetto President,” a nod to his upbringing in Kampala’s slums.
Late Thursday, Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), announced on X that security forces had surrounded his residence, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest.
“Security officers have unlawfully jumped over the perimeter fence and are now erecting tents within his compound,” the party said.
AFP journalists who visited the residence on Friday reported a calm atmosphere, although a military vehicle and several police officers were stationed outside.
International Concerns
The United Nations human rights office warned last week that the elections were being conducted in an environment characterised by “widespread repression and intimidation” targeting opposition figures.
On election day, Wine accused the government of massive ballot stuffing and alleged that several of his party officials were attacked during the internet shutdown imposed on Tuesday. These claims, however, could not be independently verified by AFP.
A Foregone Conclusion?
Analysts widely regard the election outcome as predictable, citing Museveni’s firm control over state institutions and the security apparatus. Now 81, the former guerrilla leader has consistently neutralised political challengers throughout his 40 years in power.
As Uganda awaits the final results, tensions remain high amid allegations of irregularities, heavy security deployment, and growing international scrutiny.
