Museveni heading for victory in disputed polls, as Bobi Wine family alleges abduction by Ugandan military

Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, has reportedly opened up a wide lead in Thursday’s presidential election, according to provisional results, as the main opposition candidate Bobi Wine and his party cast doubt on the credibility of the process.

Early figures released from 81 percent of polling stations place Mr Museveni at 74 percent of the vote, far ahead of Mr Wine on 23 percent, reports BBC.

Tensions rose on Friday after Mr Wine’s party claimed on social media that a helicopter had landed at his residence in Kampala and that he had been forcibly taken to an undisclosed location.

Wine’s son later alleged that both his parents had been seized by the military.

These claims could not be independently verified due to widespread internet disruptions across the country.

Police told the BBC they were unaware of any such operation.

Earlier, Mr Wine said he had been placed under house arrest, with security forces surrounding his home, following allegations of electoral fraud.

However, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke told local broadcaster NBS that Mr Wine, as a presidential candidate, was a “person of interest” and that the heavy security presence was meant to ensure his safety.

Several local journalists reported being blocked by security personnel from accessing Mr Wine’s residence in the Magere area of Kampala.

Addressing supporters, Mr Wine urged Ugandans to reject what he described as “fake results”, accusing authorities of “stealing the vote”. He did not present evidence to support the claims, and the government has not issued a formal response.

Meanwhile, reports emerged late Thursday that at least seven opposition supporters were killed in disputed circumstances in Butambala district, about 55 kilometres south-west of the capital.

Due to the ongoing internet shutdown imposed earlier in the week, details of the incident only became public on Friday.

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