Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine was allegedly taken from his residence by the army on Friday, according to his National Unity Platform (NUP) party, as President Yoweri Museveni appeared poised to win re-election. The NUP stated in a post on X that an army helicopter landed at Wine's compound in Kampala and forcibly transported him to an undisclosed location.
Confirmation of the NUP's claim was not immediately available, and some senior party officials stated they lacked verification. Requests for comment from Reuters to Ugandan government and military spokespeople went unanswered.
The alleged abduction occurred hours after Wine claimed that security forces killed 10 of his campaigners. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has been Museveni's main challenger in the election. He has garnered significant support, particularly among younger Ugandans, by advocating for change and criticizing Museveni's long rule.
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking a sixth term. The election has been marred by violence and allegations of fraud from the opposition. Authorities have defended their actions, citing the need to maintain order and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The electoral commission is expected to announce the final results of the election soon. International observers have raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. The United States and the European Union have called for investigations into the reported irregularities and violence.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the vote counting concludes and the official results are announced. The potential for further unrest remains a concern.
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