By: Aremu Toyeebaht
Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine was placed under house arrest on Friday, a day after national elections that early official results show heavily favour President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking to prolong his nearly four-decade rule.
Museveni, in power since 1986, has been accused of “brutal repression” of opposition voices ahead of the vote. His government also enforced a nationwide internet blackout during the election period, drawing criticism from rights groups.
According to the Electoral Commission, with about 25 per cent of votes counted, Museveni was leading with 76.25 per cent, while Wine trailed with 19.85 per cent.
Thursday’s election was disrupted by widespread technical and logistical failures. Biometric verification machines reportedly malfunctioned in several locations, while ballot papers arrived hours late in many areas, delaying voting.
Final results from the presidential and parliamentary elections are expected by 0200 GMT on Saturday.
