Uganda’s long-serving leader Yoweri Museveni has opened a commanding lead in the counting of votes from the country’s highly contested presidential election, according to early official results released by the Electoral Commission. The partial tally places Museveni firmly ahead of his rivals, even as reports of violence, an internet blackout, and the confinement of opposition leader Bobi Wine have cast a shadow over the credibility of the process.
With Uganda once again at a political crossroads, the election has reignited debate over governance, democratic space, and the future of leadership in a country that has not experienced a peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence.
Early Results Point to a Landslide
Based on tallies from nearly half of polling stations nationwide, the Electoral Commission said Museveni had secured about 76 percent of the vote, placing him far ahead of his closest challenger. Bobi Wine was credited with just under 20 percent, while the remaining votes were shared among six other presidential candidates.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, told reporters after casting his ballot in Rwakitura that he expected to win around 80 percent of the vote, provided the process was not undermined by cheating. If confirmed, the result would grant the former rebel leader a seventh term in office, extending his tenure into a fifth decade.
Bobi Wine Under House Arrest Claims
As the vote count continued, tensions rose sharply in the capital. Bobi Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform, said military and police forces had surrounded his residence in Kampala, effectively placing him under house arrest.
According to the party, armed officers entered the compound and restricted movement in and out of the property. Wine, whose legal name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has repeatedly accused authorities of attempting to isolate him and prevent him from communicating with supporters.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said he was not aware of Wine being formally placed under house arrest, though security deployment around the opposition leader’s home remained heavy.
Internet Blackout and Voting Delays
Ugandans voted under a nationwide internet blackout imposed days before the election, a move authorities said was necessary to curb misinformation, fraud, and the incitement of violence. The shutdown, however, drew criticism from rights groups and international observers, who argued it undermined transparency and restricted access to information.
The vote itself was plagued by widespread delays, with some polling stations opening up to four hours late due to technical challenges. In several locations, biometric voter verification machines malfunctioned, while ballot materials arrived late. Opposition figures claimed the delays disproportionately affected urban and opposition-leaning areas, although the government denied any deliberate interference.
Violence Erupts After Polls Close
Although voting hours passed without major disturbances, violence was reported overnight in Butambala, a town about 55 kilometres southwest of Kampala. Human rights activists and opposition figures said security forces killed several opposition supporters who had gathered to follow early election results at the home of local lawmaker Muwanga Kivumbi.
Activist Agather Atuhaire claimed at least ten people were killed during the incident. Police strongly disputed that account, saying opposition supporters armed with machetes, axes, and incendiary materials attacked a police station, forcing officers to fire in self-defence. Authorities acknowledged deaths and injuries but rejected accusations of a targeted assault.
Independent verification of the events has not yet been possible, leaving conflicting narratives about one of the deadliest post-election incidents so far.
UN Warns of Repression and Intimidation
Ahead of the election, the United Nations warned that the polls were taking place in an environment of “widespread repression and intimidation.” During the campaign period, Bobi Wine’s rallies were repeatedly disrupted by security forces using tear gas and live ammunition, leading to arrests and at least one reported death.
The government defended its actions, arguing that security forces were responding to disorderly conduct and preventing unrest. However, rights groups say the measures point to a systematic crackdown on opposition activity.
A Test of Uganda’s Political Future
The Museveni-Wine contest has become symbolic of a deeper generational and political divide. Museveni presents himself as the guarantor of stability, crediting his rule with preventing state collapse in a volatile region. His supporters argue continuity is essential for economic development and national security.
Wine, by contrast, has rallied Uganda’s youthful population with promises of reform, anti-corruption measures, and expanded political freedoms. In a country where most citizens are under 30, his campaign reflects growing frustration with prolonged one-man rule.
What Comes Next
As vote counting continues, the heavy security presence across Kampala and other urban centres reflects official concern about potential unrest. Wine had earlier urged supporters to protest if the results were manipulated, but there were no large-scale demonstrations reported during voting hours.
If confirmed, Museveni’s victory would further entrench one of Africa’s longest-running presidencies. Attention will likely turn to questions of succession, governance, and whether Uganda can navigate another contested election cycle without slipping into prolonged instability.
For now, the country waits as the final results are tallied—amid grief over lives lost, unresolved allegations of repression, and an uncertain political horizon.
