Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni held a significant lead in Thursday's presidential election, according to preliminary results, while his main challenger Bobi Wine alleged fraud and questioned the credibility of the process. With 81% of polling stations reporting, figures indicated Museveni secured 74% of the vote, compared to Wine's 23%.
Wine's party claimed on social media that a helicopter landed at his residence in Kampala and that he was "forcibly taken away to an unknown destination." The opposition leader's son further stated that both his parents were seized by the military. Access to the internet was limited in the country, making verification of these claims difficult. Local police told the BBC they were unaware of the alleged incident.
Earlier, Wine stated he was under house arrest, with security forces surrounding his home, after alleging election fraud. Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke told local broadcaster NBS that Wine, as a presidential contestant, was "a person of interest," explaining the heavy security presence.
Yoweri Museveni has been President of Uganda since 1986. Bobi Wine, a popular musician turned politician, has emerged as a significant opposition figure, particularly among younger voters. The election took place amid concerns about human rights and the fairness of the electoral process.
The outcome of the election and the allegations of fraud are likely to further escalate political tensions in Uganda. The international community is closely monitoring the situation. Further updates are expected as more results are released and the situation develops.
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