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Uganda Police Deny Bobi Wine Arrest as Museveni Nears Victory Under Internet Blackout

A nationwide internet shutdown hampers independent verification.

Girls run during protests following the preliminary results in Kampala, Uganda, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Uganda's security forces patrol a street during protests following the announcement of the preliminary results in Kampala, Uganda, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A Ugandan police officer makes a gesture behind a burning fire amid protests following the announcement of the preliminary results in Kampala, Uganda, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni is expected to win when results are announced

Overview

  • With more than 80% of ballots tallied, the Electoral Commission reports Yoweri Museveni at 73.7% to Bobi Wine’s 22.7%, with final results expected later Saturday.
  • Police and the army say Wine has not been arrested, while his party claims he is confined and was taken by helicopter, and officers cite controlled access to his residence.
  • Reporters describe calm outside Wine’s home but note communications disruptions that limit contact with opposition figures and observers.
  • An internet blackout imposed before voting continues into the count, complicating monitoring of results and allegations of abuses.
  • Voting faced technical failures with biometric machines and late ballot deliveries, as rights officials decried repression and pockets of unrest followed parliamentary tallies.