Several people lost their lives in central Uganda hours after the country held a tense presidential election, raising fresh concerns about security and political freedom.
Police confirmed that at least seven people were killed overnight following Thursday’s vote, which early results show President Yoweri Museveni winning by a wide margin and extending his long stay in power.
According to figures released by the Electoral Commission, Museveni had secured more than 75 percent of the vote based on results from 59 percent of polling stations. His closest rival, opposition leader and popular musician Bobi Wine, had about 21 percent.
The remaining votes were shared among six other candidates. If confirmed, the outcome would push Museveni’s rule closer to five decades, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
The election campaign period was marked by tension, especially at opposition rallies, where clashes between supporters and security forces were common.
The United Nations and other observers reported widespread intimidation and repression. Despite these concerns, election day itself passed without major incidents in most parts of the country, with voters casting their ballots calmly.
Trouble began later that night in Butambala town, around 55 kilometres southwest of Kampala. Police and local leaders gave different accounts of what happened.
Police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe said groups armed with machetes attacked a police station and a vote tallying centre.
She claimed the attackers were opposition supporters linked to area Member of Parliament Muwanga Kivumbi. According to her, police officers fired their weapons in self-defence after being overwhelmed by large crowds.
She added that 25 people were arrested during the incident.
However, MP Kivumbi strongly disputed this version. He told reporters that the victims were killed inside his home around 3 a.m. while waiting for results from his parliamentary race.
He said supporters had gathered peacefully in his garage to wait for the announcement and possibly celebrate his expected victory.
Kivumbi alleged that security forces forced their way into his compound, broke down doors, and opened fire on the people inside.
He described the incident as a massacre and insisted that the deaths did not happen during clashes with police.
The police spokesperson said she was not aware of any shooting at Kivumbi’s residence, noting that his home is located close to the police station.
Independent verification of the exact events was not immediately possible, leaving many questions unanswered and deepening mistrust between authorities and the opposition.
The election has been widely viewed as a key test of Museveni’s political strength at the age of 81 and his ability to maintain stability.
In recent years, neighbouring countries such as Kenya and Tanzania have experienced periods of unrest linked to disputed elections, increasing regional concern about Uganda’s path.
After voting, Museveni told journalists he expected to win with around 80 percent of the vote, provided there was no cheating.
Bobi Wine accused authorities of large-scale fraud. The vote was held during a nationwide internet shutdown, which the government said was necessary to stop the spread of false information.
Wine rejected this explanation and urged his supporters to protest peacefully.Late on Thursday, Wine’s National Unity Platform party claimed on social media that security forces had surrounded his home in Kampala, effectively placing him under house arrest.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said he was not aware of such an action. As Uganda awaits final results, the deaths in Butambala have cast a dark shadow over the election and intensified calls for accountability and transparency.
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