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Opposition leader refuses to challenge election in court
Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine announced he will not contest Thursday's presidential election results in court, citing distrust in the judiciary. Instead, he urged supporters to stage peaceful protests to defend democracy.
Allegations of fraud and intimidation
Speaking to the BBC from an undisclosed location, Wine-whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi-claimed the election was marred by "ballot stuffing" but offered no evidence. He dismissed the official results, which gave incumbent President Yoweri Museveni 72% of the vote and Wine 25%.
"The results are fake and do not reflect the voting at polling stations," Wine said, alleging a disconnect between local tallies and the final declaration. The Uganda Human Rights Commission acknowledged "technical and procedural" issues but insisted they did not compromise the vote's fairness.
"The judiciary in Uganda is captured. We encourage Ugandans to use any legal means to fight back and protect their democracy."
Bobi Wine, opposition leader
Security crackdown and threats
Wine, a 43-year-old former pop star, fled his Kampala home on Friday after security forces raided the property, cutting power and surveillance. He accused authorities of blocking food deliveries to his family, who remain under de facto house arrest. Police denied the raid, claiming the deployment was for his protection.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni's son and potential successor, escalated tensions in a now-deleted social media post, threatening Wine with arrest within 48 hours and vowing to "handle him as an outlaw." Wine shared screenshots of the threats, to which Kainerugaba later replied, "Boo hoo hoo Mr. 24%."
Violence and internet shutdown
Wine alleged a "silent massacre" of political activists during the election period, though he provided no proof. The army chief confirmed 22 opposition supporters were killed in poll-related clashes. Meanwhile, over 100 youths were remanded in prison on election-related charges in Kampala, according to the Daily Monitor.
The African Union election observers found no evidence of ballot stuffing but condemned the days-long internet shutdown, which ended hours after Museveni's victory was declared on Saturday. Wine reported signal jammers near his home prevented contact with his wife.
Museveni's victory and historical context
Museveni, 81, secured his seventh term since seizing power in 1986, calling his win a testament to his party's dominance. He accused the opposition of plotting violence, labeling them "terrorists." Uganda has never experienced a peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence.
In his victory speech, Museveni dismissed concerns about the election's integrity, while Wine called for a "peaceful change" of regime, framing protests as a constitutional right. Police said they were unconcerned about Wine's whereabouts "as long as he is safe."
