{UAH} Uganda election: Yoweri Museveni set to extend rule-real character of the man

Uganda election: Yoweri Museveni set to extend rule

• 2 hours ago
• From the section Africa

Image copyright Reuters Image caption President Yoweri Museveni has a comfortable lead over his closest rival

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni looks set to extend his 30 years in power with official results showing him taking a strong lead in elections.

With more than 80% of the ballots counted, Mr Museveni has secured 61% of the votes.

His main rival Kizza Besigye, who is under house arrest, is on 34%. Full results are due in a few hours' time.

EU observers have criticised the poll, saying the governing party had created an "intimidating atmosphere".

The election has been marred by sporadic violence and opposition allegations of electoral fraud, with social media sites and messaging apps blocked.

"Voters actively participated in the campaign events and expressed a remarkable determination while waiting for the long hours on the election day to cast their ballots," said EU Chief Observer Eduard Kukan.

"However, the [governing] National Resistance Movement's domination of the political landscape distorted the fairness of the campaign."

Mr Besigye was arrested on Friday on suspicion he was planning to publish his own results, breaking electoral laws, police said, before being escorted to his home.

Image copyright EPA Image caption The main opposition challenger Kizza Besigye (L) was arrested on Friday Image copyright AFP Image caption Police were surrounding his home on Saturday

"We shall detain him until results are announced," Kampala police chief Andrew Felix Kaweesi told Uganda's New Vision newspaper.

It is the fourth time Mr Besigye, candidate for the opposition Forum for Democratic Change, has taken on President Museveni.

The two men were once allies, with Mr Besigye serving as Mr Museveni as his personal doctor when they were guerrilla fighters.

Mr Museveni seized power in 1986 and is credited with restoring stability to Uganda. However, critics say he has become increasingly authoritarian.

The next closest challenger to Mr Museveni, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, is in a distant third. He is also reportedly under house arrest.

--
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com