Uganda's long-serving President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of the country's latest presidential election, a result immediately dismissed as "fake" by his main rival who alleges widespread fraud and military intimidation.
Decisive Victory Amidst Allegations
According to the electoral commission, 81-year-old Yoweri Museveni secured 71% of the vote, extending his four-decade rule with a seventh term in office. His primary challenger, the musician-turned-politician Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was credited with 24% support. Mr Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform party, has completely rejected the announced figures, stating they have "zero backing".
Opposition Leader's 'Escape' and Claims of Fraud
In a dramatic statement shared on social media on Saturday morning, Bobi Wine described a "very difficult" night where military and police forces raided his home on the outskirts of the capital, Kampala. He claimed authorities switched off power, cut CCTV cameras, and had helicopters hovering overhead, but he managed to "escape". His wife and other family members reportedly remain at the property.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stated Mr Wine was free to leave his house, but "controlled access" was implemented for others to prevent the premises from being used to incite violence.
Mr Wine's allegations of electoral malpractice are extensive. He has pointed to "massive ballot stuffing" and claimed that his party's polling agents were abducted to give an unfair advantage to the ruling National Resistance Movement. The voting process itself was marred by delays due to late-arriving materials and malfunctions with some biometric verification machines.
A Tense Campaign and Security Presence
The election campaign was conducted under a heavy security blanket, with forces visibly deployed nationwide. Bobi Wine stated that authorities consistently monitored his movements and harassed his supporters, including by firing tear gas at them. Citing safety concerns, he conducted much of his campaign while wearing a flak jacket and helmet.
With the official results confirmed but fiercely contested, Uganda faces a period of heightened political tension as the opposition urges its supporters to ignore the outcome and the government asserts its authority.
