Uganda's President Museveni takes strong lead in early results
Museveni is facing off against 43-year-old musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, his former challenger in the 2021 presidential election.
Veteran Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni held a commanding lead in early election results announced on Friday, while the party of his main challenger, Bobi Wine, said its leader was under effective house arrest.
The 81-year-old Museveni has ruled Uganda since seizing power in 1986 and is looking for a decisive victory to assert his political strength as speculation mounts about his eventual succession.
Results announced by the electoral commission from Thursday's vote showed Museveni with 76.25% of the vote based on tallies from nearly half of polling stations. Wine trailed with 19.85%, with the remaining vote split among six other candidates.
Museveni had told reporters after casting his ballot that he expected to win with 80% of the vote "if there's no cheating".
Fraud allegations
Pop star-turned-politician Wine has alleged massive fraud during the election, which was held under an internet blackout following a campaign marred by violence.
Wine, whose legal name is Robert Kyagulanyi, called on his supporters on Thursday to protest, though there has been no sign of demonstrations so far.
His National Unity Platform (NUP) party wrote on its X account late on Thursday that the military and police had surrounded Wine's house in the capital Kampala, "effectively placing him under house arrest".
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke told Reuters he was not aware of Wine being placed under house arrest.
Election violence
Security forces confined Wine to his home for days after the last election in 2021, in which he was credited with 35% of the vote.
At least one person died during protest clashes with security forces, while hundreds were arrested. The government said they were responding to lawless behaviour.