Ugandan Opposition Leader Bobi Wine Seized by Army After Uganda Vote

Uganda’s post-election landscape seemingly shifted sharply within 24 hours of voting, with reports of arrest of a main opposition politician. The National Unity Platform (NUP) said opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known by his stage name Bobi Wine, was forcibly removed from his Kampala home on Friday and taken to an unknown location in an army helicopter, a move that crystallized fears of a coordinated security clampdown following the vote. The seizure came a day after Ugandans cast ballots in an election conducted under an internet blackout and heavy security presence, limiting independent verification and real-time reporting.

The vote marked another attempt by Wine, Uganda’s most prominent opposition figure, to unseat President Yoweri Museveni, who at 81 years old is seeking to extend nearly four decades in power.

The United Nations described the campaign environment as marred by “widespread repression and intimidation,” a characterization that gained new force as reports emerged of military involvement at the opposition leader’s residence.

“Unknown Destination” And Silence

According to a report by Al Jazeera, the internet shutdown had made it difficult to confirm Wine’s whereabouts, with NUP officials claiming men who appeared to be military and other security agents jumped over the fence of Wine’s home to apprehend the former pop star.

In a tweet issued after voting but prior to his arrest, Wine said security forces had surrounded his home and placed him under de facto house arrest. “The military deployed all around my home in order to place me under house arrest,” he wrote, adding that “these criminals even jumped over the fence and entered our compound.” He said his house remained besieged, with “no one allowed to come in or go out,” and framed the action as fear-driven rather than strength.

Internet Blackout And Electoral Pressure

The seizure followed a broader set of restrictive measures introduced before polling day. Uganda cut internet access 48 hours ahead of the election and ordered civil society and rights groups to halt operations, moves that observers said narrowed civic space and reduced transparency. The blackout compounded concerns over the integrity of the process, particularly as allegations of manipulation surfaced immediately after voting.

Wine alleged “massive ballot stuffing” across the country and urged Ugandans to “rise to the occasion and reject the criminal regime.” At the institutional level, pressure was also acknowledged by election officials themselves. Electoral Commission chair Simon Byabakama said he had received threats warning him not to declare opposition candidates as winners even if they prevailed, insisting publicly that intimidation would not alter the commission’s duties.

Results, Violence, And Competing Claims

As ballots were counted on Friday, the Electoral Commission said Museveni was leading with 73.7 percent of the vote compared with Wine’s 22.7 percent, with close to 81 percent of votes counted. Museveni had earlier said he expected to secure 80 percent support. Final results were scheduled to be announced around 4pm local time in Kampala on Saturday.

While voting on Thursday was described as largely peaceful, violence erupted overnight in Butambala, about 55 km southwest of the capital. At least seven people were killed. Police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe said machete-wielding opposition “goons,” allegedly organized by local lawmaker Muwanga Kivumbi, attacked a police station and a vote-tallying center. Kivumbi, a member of Wine’s party, rejected that account, saying security forces attacked opposition supporters gathered at his home and that 10 people were killed. “After killing them, the military continued firing,” he told AFP, adding that bodies were removed, leaving “a pool of blood.”