Uganda election results 2026: Museveni takes early lead as deadly violence erupts

Uganda election violence has sparked international concern as early results show President Yoweri Museveni taking a commanding lead in the presidential race, while reports of deadly clashes and opposition restrictions continue to emerge.

Museveni takes strong early lead

Veteran Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 81, opened a wide lead in early presidential election results released on Friday. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, seeks another decisive victory after a tense campaign marked by repeated clashes between security forces and opposition supporters.

According to the Electoral Commission, Museveni secured 76.25% of the vote based on results from nearly half of the polling stations. His main challenger, opposition leader and musician Bobi Wine, followed with 19.85%, while six other candidates shared the remaining votes.

After voting on Thursday, Museveni told journalists he expected to win around 80% of the vote, provided the process remained fair.

Opposition claims fraud amid internet shutdown

Bobi Wine rejected the early results and accused authorities of widespread electoral fraud. The government imposed a nationwide internet blackout during the vote, which officials said aimed to prevent misinformation.

However, Wine urged his supporters to remain vigilant and protest peacefully. The United Nations Human Rights Office had earlier warned that the election unfolded in an environment of intimidation and repression, echoing concerns raised during recent elections in neighboring countries.

Uganda election violence erupts near Kampala

Reports of Uganda election violence surfaced overnight in Butambala, about 55 kilometers southwest of Kampala. Human rights activist Agather Atuhaire said security forces killed at least ten opposition supporters who had gathered at the home of opposition lawmaker Muwanga Kivumbi to follow early results.

According to eyewitness accounts, soldiers and police fired tear gas before opening live fire on civilians sheltering inside the compound. Reuters could not independently verify these claims.

Police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe disputed the allegations, stating that armed opposition supporters attacked a local police station. She said officers fired in self-defense and confirmed fatalities and injuries without providing figures.

Bobi Wine’s party claims house arrest

Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) said on social media that security forces surrounded Wine’s home in Kampala, effectively placing him under house arrest. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke denied knowledge of any such order.

After the disputed 2021 election, authorities confined Wine to his residence for several days. International observers, including the United States, later stated that the election failed to meet democratic standards.

Rising tensions and international concern

Throughout the campaign, security forces repeatedly disrupted opposition rallies using tear gas and live ammunition. At least one person died, and hundreds of opposition supporters were arrested.

Analysts warn that continued Uganda election violence could destabilize the country if political tensions remain unresolved.