Ugandan police deny arrest of opposition leader Bobi Wine

Ugandan Police Address Reports on Opposition Candidate

On Saturday, Ugandan police refuted claims that the principal opposition candidate in the recent election had been detained, describing such reports as "deceitful and inciteful." Authorities urged citizens to maintain peace as the nation anticipates the presidential election results.

Uganda conducted a general election on Thursday, coinciding with a four-day internet shutdown and significant military presence throughout the country. Instances of violence occurred as people protested parliamentary election outcomes in various regions.

President Yoweri Museveni, aged 81, is seeking his seventh term and currently leads with over 70% of the provisional votes. His main opponent, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has garnered 20%. Wine has rejected the results, labeling them as "fake" and urged his supporters to disregard them.

Police clarified that Bobi Wine is not under arrest, as claimed by his National Unity Platform party. A police spokesperson stated Wine is free to leave his residence, but access for others is controlled to prevent incitement of violence.

Electoral officials are scheduled to announce the final presidential results on Saturday. The national electoral commission chairperson confirmed that preparations are on track to release the results by the end of the day.

The election encountered delays due to late delivery of materials and some malfunctioning biometric machines. President Museveni agreed with the electoral commission’s decision to use paper voter registration records, but Wine alleged fraud, citing "massive ballot stuffing" and claims that his party’s polling agents were detained to favor the ruling party.

Security forces maintained a significant presence during the election campaign. Wine reported being followed and harassed by authorities, with tear gas used against his supporters. He campaigned wearing a flak jacket and helmet due to security concerns.

Wine communicated via X on Thursday about his inability to leave his house, and his party reported on Friday that he had been arrested and taken away in an army helicopter.

Uganda has yet to experience a peaceful transfer of presidential power since gaining independence from British colonial rule over six decades ago. Veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, is currently incarcerated following treason charges in February 2025.

Based on reporting by Africanews.