KAMPALA
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni took an early lead in presidential election results released on Friday, as reports of deadly violence and repression followed the vote.
The electoral commission said Museveni had secured about 76 percent of counted votes from nearly half of polling stations. His main rival, opposition leader and singer Bobi Wine, trailed with just under 20 percent. Six other candidates shared remaining votes.
Museveni, 81, has ruled Uganda since 1986 and sought another decisive victory after a tense campaign marked by clashes at opposition events. After voting, he said he expected to win comfortably if the process was fair.
Bobi Wine rejected the results, alleging widespread fraud. He urged supporters to protest, even as the election was held under an internet shutdown meant to prevent misinformation.
The United Nations human rights office earlier warned the election was taking place amid intimidation, arrests, and limits on political freedoms.
Violence was reported overnight in Butambala, southwest of Kampala. A human rights activist said soldiers and police killed at least 10 opposition supporters gathered at a lawmaker’s home to follow results. She said security forces fired tear gas and live bullets.
Police denied that version, saying armed opposition supporters attacked a police station and officers fired in self-defence. Fatalities were confirmed, but numbers were not given.
Wine’s party later said security forces surrounded his home, placing him under house arrest. Police said they were unaware of such action.
In the last election, Wine was also confined to his home, while foreign observers criticised the vote, a claim rejected by authorities.