Bogi Wine escapes police raid, in hiding as Museveni leads Uganda election

Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, said Saturday he escaped a police raid on his home and is now in hiding. This comes as Ugandans brace for election results, with President Yoweri Museveni, 81, poised to extend his 40-year rule after voting on Thursday under a nationwide internet blackout.

Wine posted on X that police and army raided his residence on Friday night. He escaped, but his wife and family remain under house arrest. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said security forces are maintaining heavy presence in Kampala, controlling access to "security hotspots" to prevent protests, citing fears of violence.

Final results were due Saturday, with Museveni leading at 71.9% to Wine's 24.5% after over 90% of votes counted. The election has been marred by at least 10 reported deaths and intimidation, according to opposition officials and media. African Union observers, led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, reported no evidence of ballot-stuffing but condemned "intimidation, arrest and abductions" targeting the opposition, which they said "eroded public trust" in the process. Jonathan noted the internet blackout "disrupted effective observation" and increased suspicion, though election day itself was reported as peaceful.

SOURCE: https://guardian.ng/news/world/uganda-opposition-leader-in-hiding-ahead-of-election-results/