According to BBC News, at least seven opposition supporters in Uganda have reportedly been killed amid tensions following Thursday’s presidential and parliamentary elections. The fatalities allegedly occurred at the home of an opposition MP in Butambala, about 55km south-west of Kampala. Opposition figures claim security forces attacked their supporters, while police insist the violence was caused by opposition members themselves.
Partial results show President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has been in power since 1986, leading with around 75% of the vote, while his main challenger, Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician, trails with roughly 21% based on returns from 70% of polling stations. Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) reported that security forces surrounded his home in Kampala, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest.
Voting disruptions were widespread, with malfunctioning biometric machines, delayed ballot deliveries, and a countrywide internet shutdown affecting polling stations. The electoral commission confirmed that anyone in line by 17:00 local time could vote, though some citizens reportedly missed the opportunity due to long delays and logistical challenges.
Opposition MP Muwanga Kivumbi told BBC News that soldiers and police fired tear gas and live rounds at crowds gathering to track early election results, claiming ten people were killed inside his home. Human rights activists corroborated the reports of fatalities. Police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe disputed these claims, saying opposition members attacked a police station and attempted to disrupt vote counting, resulting in at least seven deaths.
Security forces have previously been accused of suppressing protests, detaining supporters, and blocking access to campaign events. The internet blackout, imposed by the Uganda Communications Commission, was officially meant to prevent misinformation, fraud, and incitement of violence, though critics say it limited transparency.
Electoral chief Simon Byabakama told BBC News that vote counting was unaffected by the internet shutdown, as results are transmitted via a secure private system. He said final presidential results are expected to be announced by 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Saturday.
The election outcome will determine whether Museveni secures a seventh term. Wine, campaigning on anti-corruption and reform platforms, has drawn strong support from Uganda’s youthful population, while Museveni emphasizes his long tenure as a guarantee of stability and progress.
