Uganda Election Horror: Opposition Supporters Killed as President Takes Commanding Lead
Uganda’s long-serving President Yoweri Museveni has taken a commanding lead in the country’s presidential election as deadly overnight clashes, a heavy security crackdown on the opposition, and an ongoing internet blackout fuel fears over the credibility of the vote.
According to provisional results released by the Electoral Commission of Uganda on Friday, Mr Museveni was leading with 75 per cent of the vote after returns from around 60 per cent of polling stations. His closest challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, trailed on 21 per cent in what has effectively become a two-horse race.
The announcement came as reports emerged that at least seven opposition supporters were killed overnight in clashes with security forces in Butambala district, approximately 55 kilometres south-west of Kampala.
Opposition figures have accused police and soldiers of using live ammunition against civilians who were following early election results, claims that have been strongly denied by authorities.
‘They fired live bullets’ — opposition claims deadly crackdown
Opposition MP Muwanga Kivumbi told the AFP news agency that security forces opened fire after deploying tear gas on crowds gathered at his home.
“They fired tear gas and then live bullets at hundreds of people who were following early results,” he said.
“Ten were killed inside my house.”
Human rights activist Agather Atuhaire corroborated the account in comments to Reuters, adding to mounting concerns over the conduct of security forces during the vote.
However, police rejected the accusations, insisting officers acted in self-defence. Local police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe claimed that a group of opposition supporters had attacked a police station and were planning to overrun a tallying centre.
She said the group was armed with machetes, axes and boxes of matches, describing them as “NUP goons,” and confirmed that at least seven people had died.
Due to the nationwide internet shutdown, which began earlier in the week, information about the violence only began to emerge on Friday, with conflicting versions of events circulating.
Bobi Wine ‘effectively under house arrest’
Tensions have been further inflamed by reports that security forces surrounded Bobi Wine’s home in the Magere area of Kampala, prompting his party to accuse authorities of placing him under de facto house arrest.
In a post on X late Thursday, the National Unity Platform (NUP) said:
“Security officers have unlawfully jumped over the perimeter fence and are now erecting tents within his compound.”
Journalists attempting to access the area said they were blocked by security personnel.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke defended the deployment, telling local broadcaster NBS that Mr Wine, as a presidential candidate, was “a person of interest” and that the security presence was for his own protection.
Mr Wine faced similar restrictions following the 2021 election, when he was confined to his home for several days after losing to Mr Museveni.
Internet blackout and election delays raise alarm
Ugandans voted on Thursday in a highly charged election marked by reports of delayed voting, missing ballot boxes and malfunctioning biometric voter verification machines.
Some polling stations reportedly opened up to four hours late, with critics linking the problems to the internet blackout.
Electoral Commission chair Simon Byabakama insisted the shutdown had not affected vote tallying.
“We are using a private system to transmit results from districts to the national tally centre,” he said.
“We are on course to announce the winner of the presidential election within 48 hours.”
The commission said the final result would be declared by Saturday afternoon.
Wine alleges ‘massive fraud’ as UN issues warning
Mr Wine, a 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has alleged “massive fraud” in the election, though he has not presented documentary evidence. Authorities have yet to formally respond to the claims.
Last week, the United Nations Human Rights Office warned the election would be characterised by “widespread repression and intimidation,” while condemning the internet shutdown as “deeply worrying”.
Mr Museveni, 81, is seeking a seventh term in office, extending a grip on power that has lasted nearly four decades. He argues that his leadership is essential for stability and economic progress, while critics accuse him of crushing dissent.
A victory would further cement his dominance and intensify speculation that he is positioning his son, army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as his eventual successor — claims the president denies.
Despite calls from Mr Wine for protests if the vote was manipulated, no demonstrations had been reported by Friday morning.
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Uganda Election Horror: Opposition Supporters Killed as President Takes Commanding Lead