Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has taken a strong lead in results from Thursday's presidential election, as reported by the electoral commission.
Figures announced on Friday afternoon put Museveni ahead with 75% of the votes, based on returns from 60% of polling stations. He is followed by opposition leader Bobi Wine with 21%. Wine's home in Kampala has been surrounded by security forces, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest, according to his National Unity Platform (NUP).
At least seven opposition supporters were killed in overnight violence in Butambala, about 55km (35 miles) south-west of Kampala, during clashes with police. An internet blackout imposed earlier in the week means that news of the violence only began emerging on Friday, resulting in conflicting accounts of the chaos.
Opposition MP Muwanga Kivumbi claimed that security forces fired tear gas and live bullets into crowds of supporters at his home. Human rights activist Agather Atuhaire confirmed this account, although local police disputed it, stating the police acted in self-defense after opposition supporters allegedly attacked a police station.
Local journalists have reported being blocked from accessing Wine's house, while police spokespersons characterized the heavy security presence as protective for the opposition leader.
In the backdrop of this unrest, the electoral chief announced that final results would be delivered within 48 hours, despite opposition claims of massive fraud during the election which took place predominantly under an internet blackout.
This tense election comes after a campaign marked by violence and repression, with security forces frequently accused of detaining and assaulting opposition supporters.
Museveni's lead marks a potential seventh term in office for the president, amid concerns about democratic processes in what is one of Africa's youngest populations.
