Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has taken a strong lead in results from Thursday's presidential election, as announced by the electoral commission.
Figures revealed on Friday indicate Museveni leading with 75% of the votes based on returns from 60% of polling stations. Following him is opposition leader Bobi Wine with 21%. Wine's residence in the capital, Kampala, is effectively surrounded by security forces, which his National Unity Platform (NUP) claims amounts to house arrest for him and his wife.
Tragically, at least seven opposition supporters were killed in violent clashes in Butambala, located approximately 55 kilometers south-west of Kampala. The violence erupted between opposition supporters and police, drawing attention to a challenging and sometimes deadly election environment.
This violence follows an internet blackout that was imposed earlier in the week, resulting in news of these clashes emerging only on Friday. Opposition MP Muwanga Kivumbi spoke with the AFP, stating that soldiers and police responded to crowds gathering for early election results with tear gas and live ammunition, claiming that ten were killed inside my house. This claim was corroborated by human rights activist Agather Atuhaire.
Local police, however, have disputed these allegations, contending that their forces acted in self-defense against what they described as armed opposition supporters attacking a police station. Police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe reported that at least seven people had perished in the incident.
The implications of the election are vast, with Museveni seeking a seventh consecutive term in office after a lengthy 36-year rule. This election has been marred by accusations from Wine of widespread electoral fraud and a severe crackdown on opposition activities during the campaign, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Simon Byabakama, the electoral chief, asserted that the vote counting had not been hindered by the internet blackout, as results were transmitted using a separate private system. Official announcements on final results are expected within 48 hours, leaving tension palpable in Uganda as citizens await the outcome amidst an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
