Kampala, Uganda – Much of Uganda has returned to normal after millions voted in tense presidential and legislative elections marked by violence in some parts of the country and disputed results.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, was declared the winner on Saturday with 72 percent of total votes cast. Former musician Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, secured 25 percent.
Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) party and two other presidential candidates have rejected the results, alleging irregularities including ballot stuffing, intimidation, and the blocking of party agents from polling stations. The United Nations also says Thursday’s vote was marred by “widespread repression and intimidation”.
On the day the country’s Electoral Commission announced Museveni’s win, Bobi Wine appeared in a video on social media, telling supporters that he was forced into hiding after his home was raided by police and other unknown individuals.
“I know they are looking for me, but even if they succeed and get me, and do whatever, I want to say this to you fellow Ugandans,” he said on video, “We reject whatever is being declared by Mr Simon Byabakama [the chair of the Electoral Commission] because those so-called results that they are declaring are fake and they don’t in any way reflect what happened at the polling stations.”
The opposition and its supporters say the government has violently cracked down on dissent, shutting down the internet and arresting protesters.
Museveni has accused Bobi Wine’s party of trying to destabilise the country.
Ugandan authorities said the four-day internet shutdown was a security measure aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation that could cause fear and chaos.
The government also said seven people were killed in Butambala, with police stating that protesters attempted to attack a polling station and a police post. The NUP disputes this account, saying at least 10 people were killed when police fired at the home of a party official, a claim Al Jazeera could not independently verify.
