Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni appeared to be on course for an extension of his 40-year rule as early election results showed him with a commanding lead, while opposition leader Bobi Wine was placed under house arrest on Friday.
With roughly 25 percent of votes counted, the Electoral Commission reported Museveni leading with 76.25 percent against Wine’s 19.85 percent.
Thursday’s election, however, was marked by widespread technical issues, including malfunctioning biometric machines and delayed delivery of ballot papers in several areas. Final results are expected by 0200 GMT on Saturday.
Museveni, 81, a former guerrilla fighter who has dominated Uganda’s political and security structures for decades, faces criticism for suppressing dissent and opposition activities.
Analysts say the outcome was largely predictable given his firm grip on state institutions.
Wine, 43, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has emerged as Museveni’s main challenger in recent years. Known as the “ghetto president” for his roots in Kampala’s slums, Wine and his wife were reportedly placed under house arrest Thursday night after security forces surrounded their residence.
His party, the National Unity Platform, accused authorities of unlawfully entering the compound and setting up tents within the premises.
AFP correspondents who visited the Wine residence on Friday noted a heavy security presence, though the area appeared outwardly calm.
The elections have been conducted under intense military and police deployment nationwide.
The United Nations rights office had warned that the vote was taking place amid “widespread repression and intimidation” targeting opposition figures.
Wine has alleged ballot stuffing and harassment of his party officials under the internet blackout imposed earlier this week, though these claims could not be independently verified.
