Police in Uganda have denied allegations that presidential candidate Bobi Wine was abducted on Friday evening as vote counting continues in the East African nation amid an internet blackout. Wine's party stated a helicopter landed in the grounds of his residence in the capital, Kampala, forcibly taking him to an unknown location.
Initially, Wine's son, Solomon Kampala, claimed that both his parents were seized, but later stated that his father managed to escape while only his mother remained detained, thus creating confusion about the opposition leader's actual whereabouts.
The latest electoral figures from Thursday's vote show President Museveni leading with 72% of the vote compared to Wine’s 24%, from returns of 94% of polling stations.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday morning, police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke clarified that Bobi Wine was still at home in Kampala, asserting that it was Wine's family who were spreading 'untrue' and 'unfounded' claims. He explained that Wine's movements were restricted because his home is regarded as a 'security interest' area, emphasizing that all security measures are aimed at preventing violence.
Wine had previously urged his supporters to disregard what he termed 'fake results' from the elections, accusing authorities of vote tampering, yet provided no evidence. Meanwhile, his son Solomon expressed confusion over the security situation at their home through social media, claiming conflicting reports about the current status of his parents.
Compounding these circumstances, Uganda has been facing an internet blackout which has hindered communication and the verification of information regarding the elections. It has been reported that at least seven opposition supporters were killed amid disputed claims about the security forces' conduct during protests following the election.
On the other hand, the police have dismissed any allegations of their involvement in violence or disruption, attributing the unrest to the actions of opposition supporters.
The election, marked by violence and a lack of transparency, has been described as a two-horse race primarily between President Museveni, seeking his seventh term, and Wine, who represents the youth's desire for political change in Uganda. The voting process itself faced severe disruptions, further complicating the electoral environment in the country.}
Initially, Wine's son, Solomon Kampala, claimed that both his parents were seized, but later stated that his father managed to escape while only his mother remained detained, thus creating confusion about the opposition leader's actual whereabouts.
The latest electoral figures from Thursday's vote show President Museveni leading with 72% of the vote compared to Wine’s 24%, from returns of 94% of polling stations.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday morning, police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke clarified that Bobi Wine was still at home in Kampala, asserting that it was Wine's family who were spreading 'untrue' and 'unfounded' claims. He explained that Wine's movements were restricted because his home is regarded as a 'security interest' area, emphasizing that all security measures are aimed at preventing violence.
Wine had previously urged his supporters to disregard what he termed 'fake results' from the elections, accusing authorities of vote tampering, yet provided no evidence. Meanwhile, his son Solomon expressed confusion over the security situation at their home through social media, claiming conflicting reports about the current status of his parents.
Compounding these circumstances, Uganda has been facing an internet blackout which has hindered communication and the verification of information regarding the elections. It has been reported that at least seven opposition supporters were killed amid disputed claims about the security forces' conduct during protests following the election.
On the other hand, the police have dismissed any allegations of their involvement in violence or disruption, attributing the unrest to the actions of opposition supporters.
The election, marked by violence and a lack of transparency, has been described as a two-horse race primarily between President Museveni, seeking his seventh term, and Wine, who represents the youth's desire for political change in Uganda. The voting process itself faced severe disruptions, further complicating the electoral environment in the country.}
