At least seven killed as Museveni dominates early election results
At least seven people were killed after Uganda's election as Museveni leads with over 75% in early tallies; opposition alleges fraud amid an internet blackout.
Overview
Early electoral commission tallies from about 59% of polling stations show President Yoweri Museveni leading with over 75% of votes, extending his decades-long rule.
Opposition candidate Bobi Wine alleges mass fraud, abduction of polling agents, and called for protests after authorities imposed an internet blackout during voting.
Violence overnight in Butambala saw at least seven people killed and 25 arrests, while opposition MP Muwanga Kivumbi alleges security forces killed ten campaign members at his home.
Authorities and police describe deaths as stemming from clashes with 'machete-wielding' attackers and say security acted in self-defence; Reuters has not independently confirmed conflicting accounts.
Final results are due by Saturday 0200 GMT as the UN and rights groups warn of repression, internet shutdowns, arrests, and concerns over electoral transparency.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame coverage around concerns of repression and irregularities, foregrounding internet shutdown, security deployments and casualty reports while attributing accusations to Bobi Wine and human-rights bodies. Editorial choices — lede placement, evaluative descriptors like 'tense'/'marred', and background on Museveni's long rule — amplify a narrative of authoritarian entrenchment, while direct quotes remain source content.
Sources (10)
FAQ
Early results show Museveni leading with 61.7% from over 23,000 votes in one report, and 76.25% from nearly half of polling stations in another, with Bobi Wine at 19.85%.
Authorities imposed an internet shutdown starting January 13, similar to 2021, amid voting delays and to control information during the election.
At least seven killed in Butambala clashes; opposition alleges security forces killed campaigners, while police claim self-defense against machete attackers.[story]
Bobi Wine, opposition candidate and singer, alleges mass fraud, abduction of polling agents, and calls for protests amid internet blackout.[story][2]
Final results are due by Saturday 0200 GMT.[story]
History
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