Police in Uganda have denied allegations that presidential candidate Bobi Wine was abducted on Friday evening as vote counting continues in the East African nation amid an internet blackout. Wine's party said a helicopter landed in the grounds of his house in the capital, Kampala, and forcibly took him to an unknown location.
Initially, Wine's son, Solomon Kampala, claimed both his parents had been seized but later stated that his father escaped and only his mother was being held, leading to confusion over the whereabouts of the opposition leader.
The latest electoral figures from Thursday's vote give Museveni 72% of the vote, with Wine on 24%, based on returns from 94% of polling stations.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday morning, police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that Wine was still at his home in Kampala and accused his family members of spreading untrue and unfounded claims. He explained that Wine's movements were restricted due to security concerns, emphasizing the importance of preventing any disturbances.
On Friday, Wine had told his supporters to ignore the fake results that had been announced, alleging theft of the vote, although he did not provide evidence to support his claim.
Solomon Kampala, who has been updating social media followers, mentioned that he was receiving conflicting reports about the security situation at his parents' home. He stated, Amidst the raid, my father was able to escape, my mother is still currently under arrest, and still nobody is allowed to enter the house.
The ongoing internet issues in the country have hindered the ability to verify information effectively. Reports also surfaced about at least seven opposition supporters killed in Butambala under contested circumstances, prompting a US embassy alert regarding the security forces' response to public gatherings.
The police spokesperson dismissed complaints of brutality against opposition supporters as baseless, asserting that security operations are necessary for stability. With the election marred by allegations of fraud and violence during the campaign, the controversy continues to unfold as both the government and opposition vie for control of the narrative.
Initially, Wine's son, Solomon Kampala, claimed both his parents had been seized but later stated that his father escaped and only his mother was being held, leading to confusion over the whereabouts of the opposition leader.
The latest electoral figures from Thursday's vote give Museveni 72% of the vote, with Wine on 24%, based on returns from 94% of polling stations.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday morning, police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that Wine was still at his home in Kampala and accused his family members of spreading untrue and unfounded claims. He explained that Wine's movements were restricted due to security concerns, emphasizing the importance of preventing any disturbances.
On Friday, Wine had told his supporters to ignore the fake results that had been announced, alleging theft of the vote, although he did not provide evidence to support his claim.
Solomon Kampala, who has been updating social media followers, mentioned that he was receiving conflicting reports about the security situation at his parents' home. He stated, Amidst the raid, my father was able to escape, my mother is still currently under arrest, and still nobody is allowed to enter the house.
The ongoing internet issues in the country have hindered the ability to verify information effectively. Reports also surfaced about at least seven opposition supporters killed in Butambala under contested circumstances, prompting a US embassy alert regarding the security forces' response to public gatherings.
The police spokesperson dismissed complaints of brutality against opposition supporters as baseless, asserting that security operations are necessary for stability. With the election marred by allegations of fraud and violence during the campaign, the controversy continues to unfold as both the government and opposition vie for control of the narrative.
