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 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 indicated they lacked verification. Reuters reported that spokespeople for the Ugandan government and military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has alleged widespread fraud in the election. He cast his vote on Thursday as military and police surrounded his house, according to his party. Wine has been a prominent challenger to Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
The reported abduction occurred hours after Wine alleged that security forces killed 10 of his campaigners. Details surrounding these alleged deaths remain unclear.
Museveni is seeking his sixth term in office. Uganda's electoral process has faced scrutiny in the past, with previous elections marred by allegations of irregularities and violence. The government maintains that it is committed to ensuring a free and fair election.
The United States and the European Union have deployed observer missions to monitor the election. Their reports are expected to provide an independent assessment of the electoral process. The outcome of the election and the events surrounding it are being closely watched by the international community.
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