In brief
In the ongoing Ugandan presidential elections, Yoweri Museveni is leading the vote count with 75% while facing accusations of electoral fraud and violence. Clashes between police and opposition supporters have resulted in at least seven deaths, raising concerns about human rights violations and the effects of an internet blackout during the election period.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has taken a strong lead in results from Thursday's presidential election, the electoral commission reports. Figures announced on Friday afternoon show Museveni ahead with 75% of the votes based on 60% of polling stations reporting. Opposition leader Bobi Wine trails with 21%, while his home in Kampala is effectively under house arrest by security forces, according to his party.Tragic clashes in Butambala, around 55km southwest of Kampala, have resulted in at least seven opposition supporters being killed by police during protests related to the election results. Reports vary, with opposition MP Muwanga Kivumbi stating that soldiers and police fired upon crowds who were following the tallying results at his home.An internet blackout earlier in the week means news of the violence has only just begun to circulate, amid conflicting narratives from opposition leaders and law enforcement.Local journalists are facing restrictions in accessing Wine’s residence, where security has been reinforced, claiming that it is for his safety. However, his party argues this constitutes illegal confinement.In preparation for final results, electoral chief Simon Byabakama announced that despite the blackout, the voting process and result tallying have not been disrupted due to a private transmission system used by the commission.This election is marked by accusations of violence and repression, as well as impediments to opposition campaigning. While Museveni seeks a seventh term in office, his main rival Wine has called out perceived electoral misconduct, leading to speculation about potential unrest in the days to come.
