Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine was taken from his residence by the army on Friday, according to his National Unity Platform (NUP) party, as President Yoweri Museveni appeared poised for re-election. The NUP stated in a post on X that Wine was forcibly removed from his compound in Kampala by an army helicopter and taken to an undisclosed location.
Confirmation of the NUP's claim was not immediately available, and some senior party officials indicated they lacked verification. Reuters reported that spokespeople for the Ugandan government and military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The alleged abduction occurred hours after Wine claimed that security forces killed 10 of his campaigners. Details surrounding these alleged deaths remain unclear.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has been a prominent challenger to Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. Wine's popularity, particularly among younger Ugandans, has presented a significant challenge to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The general election took place on Thursday, with reports of internet shutdowns and restricted access to social media platforms. These restrictions raised concerns about transparency and the ability of opposition parties to communicate with their supporters.
Museveni's government has defended its actions, citing the need to maintain security and prevent the spread of misinformation. Critics, however, argue that these measures are designed to suppress dissent and undermine the electoral process.
The Electoral Commission is expected to announce the final results of the election in the coming days. International observers have been present to monitor the election, and their assessments will be crucial in determining the credibility of the process. The United States and the European Union have previously expressed concerns about the fairness and transparency of past Ugandan elections.
The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available. The NUP has called for Wine's immediate release and has urged the international community to intervene.
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