Clashes Erupt in Uganda as Museveni Leads Presidential Election

Fri Jan 16 2026 18:35:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Yoweri Museveni claims a significant lead in Uganda's presidential election, violent clashes lead to the deaths of opposition supporters, with allegations of police brutality amidst an internet blackout.

In the wake of Uganda's presidential election, President Yoweri Museveni is reported to lead with 75% of votes counted from polling stations, while opposition leader Bobi Wine trails at 21%. The election has been marred by violence, resulting in at least seven fatalities among opposition supporters. An imposed internet blackout has heightened tensions as security forces surround Wine's residence, prompting allegations of overreach and questions about the integrity of the electoral process.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has taken a strong lead in results from Thursday's presidential election, as reported by the electoral commission. Museveni is currently ahead with 75% of the votes, with 60% of polling stations counted. Meanwhile, opposition leader Bobi Wine has secured 21% of the votes but is currently under house arrest as security forces surround his home in Kampala.

In the aftermath of the election, at least seven supporters of the opposition have been killed in violent clashes with police in Butambala, located approximately 55 kilometers southwest of Kampala. An internet blackout enacted earlier this week has hindered the flow of information regarding the violence, with details only beginning to surface.

Reports from opposition MP Muwanga Kivumbi indicate that police and military personnel used tear gas and live ammunition against crowds gathering for early election results. In contrast, local police have disputed these claims, asserting that their actions were in response to aggressive attacks by opposition supporters.

Media access to Wine's residence has also been restricted, raising concerns about the transparency of the election process. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke has stated that heavy security presence around Wine is to ensure his safety as he is a key figure in the election.

The election has been characterized by significant unrest, with various delays and technology failures reported during the voting process, exacerbated by the earlier internet disruption, which officials claimed was necessary to prevent misinformation.

Museveni, striving for a seventh term in office at the age of 81, faces fierce competition from Wine, who represents a youthful voter base and promises reform amidst allegations of electoral fraud. The final results of the presidential election are expected to be announced soon, adding further pressure as events unfold in the politically tense climate of Uganda.