Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine was placed under house arrest on Friday, a day after elections in which early results showed President Yoweri Museveni holding a commanding lead as he seeks to extend his four-decade rule
Museveni, who has governed Uganda since 1986, has faced accusations of brutal repression against opposition figures in the lead-up to the vote. His government also imposed an internet blackout earlier this week. With roughly a quarter of votes counted, the Electoral Commission reported Museveni at 76.25 per cent and Wine at 19.85 per cent.
Thursday’s election day was disrupted by major technical issues, including malfunctioning biometric machines and delays in the delivery of ballot papers across several regions. The final results of the presidential and parliamentary elections are expected by 0200 GMT on Saturday.
Analysts have long viewed the elections as heavily skewed in Museveni’s favor. The 81-year-old former guerrilla fighter controls the state and security apparatus and has historically crushed challengers during his 40-year rule.
Wine, 43, born Robert Kyagulanyi, has emerged in recent years as Museveni’s main rival. The former singer, who grew up in Kampala’s slums, has nicknamed himself the “ghetto president.”
“The military and police have surrounded the residence of President Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest,” his party, the National Unity Platform, said on X late Thursday. “Security officers have unlawfully jumped over the perimeter fence and are now erecting tents within his compound.”
AFP journalists who visited Wine’s residence on Friday described the compound as outwardly calm, though a military vehicle and police officers were stationed outside. A heavy security presence was reported across the country on election day.
Last week, the United Nations rights office warned that the elections were occurring amid “widespread repression and intimidation” of opposition figures. Wine also accused the government of “massive ballot stuffing” and attacks on party officials during the internet blackout, though AFP could not independently verify these claims.
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