Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine was placed under house arrest on Friday, January 16, a day after elections in which early results showed President Yoweri Museveni with a commanding lead as he seeks to extend his 40-year rule.
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has faced accusations of “brutal repression” against opposition figures ahead of the vote. His government also imposed an internet blackout this week.
With roughly a quarter of votes counted, the Electoral Commission reported Museveni at 76.25 percent, compared with Wine’s 19.85 percent. Election day on Thursday, January 15, was marred by significant technical problems, including malfunctioning biometric voter verification devices and delayed delivery of ballot papers in multiple areas, which postponed the start of voting by several hours. Final presidential and parliamentary results are expected by 0200 GMT on Saturday, January 17.
Analysts have long viewed the election as heavily skewed in Museveni’s favor, citing his control over the state and security apparatus and his track record of suppressing challengers over four decades. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has emerged in recent years as his strongest opponent. The 43-year-old former singer refers to himself as the “ghetto president,” in reference to the Kampala slums where he grew up.
“The military and police have surrounded the residence of President Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest,” his party, the National Unity Platform, wrote on X late Thursday. “Security officers have unlawfully jumped over the perimeter fence and are now erecting tents within his compound,” the party added.
AFP journalists who visited the compound on Friday reported that the scene appeared calm, though a military vehicle and several police officers were stationed outside. Heavy security deployments were also reported across the country on election day.
The UN rights office said last week that the vote was taking place amid “widespread repression and intimidation” targeting opposition figures. On Thursday, Wine accused the government of “massive ballot stuffing” and attacks on party officials during the internet blackout imposed on Tuesday. AFP noted that his claims could not be independently verified.
