Museveni Takes Strong Early Lead in Uganda Election Count

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Uganda’s incumbent president, Yoweri Museveni, has opened a commanding lead as vote counting continues in the country’s general elections.

Early results released on Friday by the Uganda Electoral Commission, based on tallies from nearly half of polling stations, showed Museveni securing 76.25 percent of the votes cast.

Meanwhile, Museveni’s main challenger, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, had gained just 19.85 percent, and was under house arrest, according to his party, as reports of violence began to emerge.

The remaining votes were split among six ‍other candidates, the Electoral Commission said.

Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, told reporters after casting his ballot on Thursday that he expected to win with about 80 percent of the vote, “if there’s no cheating.”

A victory would hand the former rebel leader a seventh term in office.

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, alleged widespread fraud during the polls, which were conducted amid an internet blackout that drew criticism from international observers.

His National Unity Platform (NUP) party said late on Thursday that security forces had surrounded his residence in Kampala, effectively placing him under house arrest.

However, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke told Reuters he was not aware that Wine had been placed under house arrest.

The United Nations human rights office had earlier warned that the election was taking place in an atmosphere of “widespread repression and intimidation.”

During the campaign, Wine’s rallies were frequently disrupted by security forces using tear gas and live ammunition, incidents that reportedly left at least one person dead and hundreds arrested.

The government said the actions were in response to lawless behaviour.

Voting Marred By Violence

Voting was also affected by delays, with some polling units opening up to four hours late due to what officials described as “technical challenges.”

Concerns over possible unrest were heightened by recent political violence in neighbouring Tanzania and Kenya, as Uganda has not experienced a peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence more than six decades ago. Museveni remains the third-longest-serving leader in Africa.

Although Wine had urged supporters to protest during voting, no demonstrations were reported during polling hours.

However, violence was said to have erupted overnight in Butambala, about 55 kilometres southwest of Kampala.

Human rights activist Agather Atuhaire claimed that soldiers and police killed at least 10 opposition supporters gathered at the home of lawmaker Muwanga Kivumbi to follow early results.

A local police spokesperson disputed the claim, saying opposition supporters attacked a police station with weapons and that officers fired in self-defence, resulting in deaths and injuries.

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Rafiyat SADIQ

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Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.