Uganda violence claims lives election results finalized

At least seven people died in overnight violence in central Uganda, according to police, following Thursday’s national elections. Preliminary results indicate a likely extension of President Yoweri Museveni’s rule.

The electoral commission reported that Museveni secured over 75% of the votes based on tallies from 59% of polling stations. Bobi Wine, Museveni’s main challenger, received approximately 21% of the votes.

Violence in Butambala

Violence erupted overnight in Butambala, a town located approximately 55 km (35 miles) southwest of Kampala. Differing accounts of the events were provided by a police spokesperson and a local member of parliament.

Lydia Tumushabe, a local police spokesperson, stated that machete-wielding opposition supporters, allegedly organized by local MP Muwanga Kivumbi, attacked a police station and vote-tallying center. She said security forces responded in self-defense, resulting in police firing on the group. Twenty-five individuals were arrested.

Muwanga Kivumbi, however, reported that ten people were killed inside his house around 3 a.m. local time, while they were awaiting the announcement of election results for his parliamentary seat. He described the incident as a massacre, alleging that security forces dispersed crowds earlier and disputed the police account of clashes.

Tumushabe stated she was unaware of the incident at Kivumbi’s house, which she said was located near the police station. Reuters was unable to independently verify the circumstances of the violence.

Election Context

The election was considered a test of Museveni’s political strength and potential for unrest, particularly in light of recent instability in neighboring countries. Museveni predicted a victory of 80% of the vote, contingent on the absence of electoral fraud.

Bobi Wine alleged widespread fraud and called on supporters to protest. His National Unity Platform (NUP) party reported that Wine’s residence in Kampala was surrounded by military and police, effectively placing him under house arrest. National police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke denied knowledge of Wine being under house arrest.