Museveni Leads Vote Count in Uganda Elections

Museveni Secures 76.25% of Votes

President Yoweri Museveni has reported a significant lead as officials tally votes in the Ugandan elections. According to results from nearly half of the polling stations, the Electoral Commission of Uganda announced on Friday that the long-standing leader of the Central African nation has secured 76.25% of the votes.

Challenges for Bobi Wine

Museveni's principal challenger, musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, has garnered only 19.85% of the votes and is reportedly under house arrest, according to his party, amid reports of violence. The remaining votes have been split among six other candidates, as stated by the Electoral Commission.

Threats and Intimidation

Museveni, who has held this position since 1986, told reporters after voting on Thursday that he expects to win with 80% of the votes "if there is no fraud." A victory would grant the former rebel leader a seventh term in office. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has alleged widespread fraud during the elections, which took place under an internet blackout, drawing criticism from international bodies.

International Media Responds

Wine's National Unity Party (NUP) posted on its X account on Thursday evening that the army and police surrounded his house in Kampala, effectively placing him under house arrest. A police spokesperson stated that they were unaware of Wine's arrest. The UN Human Rights Office stated last week that the elections are being conducted in an atmosphere of "widespread repression and intimidation."