Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni maintained a commanding lead in early presidential election results released on Friday, even as reports of post-vote unrest emerged.
Museveni, 81, who has held power since 1986, is seeking a clear mandate after a campaign that was overshadowed by violence at opposition gatherings.
Partial results from Thursday’s election, announced by the Electoral Commission, showed Museveni with 76.25% of votes counted from nearly half of polling stations. His main rival, popular musician Bobi Wine, trailed with 19.85%, while the remaining votes were divided among six other candidates.
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After casting his ballot on Thursday, Museveni told reporters he anticipated an 80% victory “if there’s no cheating.”
Wine, however, accused authorities of widespread fraud during the election, which took place under an internet blackout that the government said was necessary to prevent “misinformation.” He urged his supporters to protest the results.
The United Nations human rights office had warned last week that the vote was occurring amid “widespread repression and intimidation.” Political unrest in neighbouring Tanzania and Kenya also heightened concerns about potential violence in Uganda.
Although no incidents were reported during voting, clashes erupted overnight in Butambala, roughly 55 km (35 miles) southwest of the capital, Kampala.
