Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has reportedly been cut off from communications following a police raid on his home, according to his National Unity Platform (NUP) party, as authorities sought to prevent unrest ahead of the announcement of election results.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, appeared poised to extend his four-decade rule, holding a commanding lead over Wine, 43, a former musician turned politician. The final results were expected later on Saturday, with the Electoral Commission reporting Museveni at 71.9% and Wine at 24.5% of votes counted.
Reports emerged of a heavy security presence at Wine’s residence in Kampala on Friday night. NUP official Nkunyingi Muwada said “security personnel in black attire scaled the wall” and confiscated phones. Wine’s son, Solomon Kampala, who is abroad, claimed on X that his father “was able to escape” during the raid, though this could not be independently verified. AFP reporters were denied access to the residence on Saturday and could not reach Wine or his aides by phone.
Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke defended the action, saying authorities had “controlled access in areas we feel are security hotspots” and that measures were taken to prevent gatherings that could incite violence. Earlier claims by Wine’s party that an army helicopter forcibly removed him were later deleted, and the Ugandan military dismissed the report as “absurd” and “designed to incite supporters.”
Residents near Wine’s residence described heightened fear following the raid. “Many people have left. We have a lot of fear,” said Prince Jerard, a local stall-owner, noting the presence of drones and helicopters overnight.
The elections, conducted under an ongoing internet blackout, have been criticized for widespread irregularities and repression. Wine has accused the government of massive ballot manipulation and targeting party officials. The United Nations’ rights office warned that the elections were taking place amid “widespread repression and intimidation” of opposition members.
Reports of violence have also emerged elsewhere. Muwanga Kivumbi, NUP MP for Butambala, claimed that security forces killed 10 of his campaign agents after storming his home. Police offered a different account, stating that an “unspecified number” were neutralized when opposition members attempted to overrun a local tally centre and police station.
The tense environment reflects long-standing concerns over Museveni’s continued hold on power. Having seized control in 1986, Museveni commands the state and security apparatus, and his administration has consistently suppressed challenges from opposition figures. Election day was further complicated by technical issues, including malfunctioning biometric machines and delays in ballot delivery.
As Uganda awaits final results, international observers and opposition supporters remain anxious about the implications for democratic processes in the country and the potential for unrest.
