Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has been placed under house arrest, his party said Friday, just a day after presidential elections in which early results showed President Yoweri Museveni on course to extend his nearly four-decade grip on power.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is seeking another term amid widespread accusations of repression, intimidation, and electoral malpractice. His government also imposed a nationwide internet blackout ahead of the vote, further heightening tensions.
With about 25 percent of ballots counted, the Electoral Commission announced that Museveni was leading with 76.25 percent of the vote, while Wine trailed with 19.85 percent.
Thursday’s election was marred by significant logistical and technical failures. In many polling units, biometric voter verification machines malfunctioned, while ballot papers arrived hours late, delaying voting and disenfranchising voters in several areas.
Final results from the presidential and parliamentary elections are expected by 0200 GMT on Saturday.
Museveni Dominance, Wine’s Challenge
Political analysts widely view the outcome as a foregone conclusion, noting Museveni’s firm control over state institutions and the security apparatus. The 81-year-old former guerrilla fighter has consistently neutralised political challengers during his 40 years in power.
Wine, 43 — whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu — has emerged as Museveni’s most formidable opponent in recent years. A former pop star turned politician, he is popularly known as the “ghetto president,” a reference to his upbringing in Kampala’s informal settlements.
Party Alleges House Arrest
In a statement posted late Thursday on X, Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), said security forces had surrounded his residence and effectively placed him and his wife under house arrest.
“The military and police have surrounded the residence of President Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest,” the party said.
The NUP further alleged that security officers had unlawfully jumped over the perimeter fence and begun erecting tents inside the compound.
AFP journalists who visited the residence on Friday reported a calm atmosphere, though a military vehicle and several police officers were stationed outside the property.
International Concern, Allegations of Fraud
Security was heavy across the country on election day, reinforcing concerns raised by international observers.
Last week, the United Nations human rights office warned that the elections were taking place in an environment characterised by “widespread repression and intimidation” of opposition figures and supporters.
Wine has accused the government of orchestrating “massive ballot stuffing” and targeting several of his party officials during the internet blackout imposed earlier in the week. However, AFP said it was unable to independently verify the claims.
As Uganda awaits official results, the reported house arrest of the opposition leader has intensified fears over democratic backsliding and post-election repression in the East African nation.
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