Ugandas incumbent president leads in election count with significant margin

Uganda’s Presidential Election: Museveni Leads with 76.25 Percent

In the ongoing presidential election in Uganda, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni has secured a commanding lead, according to early results from nearly half of polling stations. The Electoral Commission reported that Museveni received 76.25 percent of the vote, while his main challenger, Bobi Wine, garnered 19.85 percent.

Museveni cast his ballot on Thursday and expressed confidence in winning with an expected 80 percent of the vote “if there’s no cheating.” This victory would mark a seventh term in office for the former rebel leader.

Bobi Wine, whose legal name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has alleged massive fraud during the election. His National Unity Platform (NUP) party reported that Wine was under house arrest after being surrounded by military and police personnel at his residence in Kampala.

The United Nations human rights office had previously stated that the election was taking place in an environment of “widespread repression and intimidation.” During the campaign, Wine’s rallies were repeatedly interrupted by security forces firing tear gas and bullets, resulting in the death of at least one person and the arrest of hundreds.

The vote was also marred by widespread delays as some polling stations remained closed for up to four hours after the scheduled start time due to technical challenges. Recent political violence in neighboring Tanzania and Kenya has raised concerns about unrest in Uganda.

Violence broke out overnight in the town of Butambala, approximately 55km southwest of Kampala, with reports of at least 10 opposition supporters being killed by soldiers and police. A local police spokesperson disputed this account, stating that opposition “goons” had attacked a police station carrying machetes and other objects, leading to a response from security forces.

The Electoral Commission has yet to release the full results, but Museveni’s lead appears to be significant. The outcome of the election will determine whether Wine will secure a second term in office or if Museveni will remain president for an eighth consecutive term.

Source: Al Jazeera