At Least Seven Dead in Uganda Election Violence as Museveni Secures Landslide Lead

Kampala, Uganda – Violence erupted overnight in central Uganda following Thursday’s presidential election, leaving at least seven people dead, local authorities confirmed. The unrest comes as incumbent President Yoweri Museveni looks set to extend his rule into a fifth decade.

The Electoral Commission announced partial results from 59% of polling stations, showing Museveni with more than 75% of votes. His main challenger, singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, trailed with around 21%, while six other candidates shared the remainder.

While the election day itself passed peacefully, the aftermath has been marked by deadly clashes in Butambala, roughly 55 km southwest of the capital, Kampala. Conflicting accounts have emerged over the cause of the violence.

Local police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe said machete-wielding opposition supporters, allegedly organized by Member of Parliament Muwanga Kivumbi, attacked a police station and vote-tallying centre. “Security responded in self-defense because these people came in big numbers. Police fired in self defense,” Tumushabe told Reuters, adding that 25 people were arrested.

Kivumbi, however, claimed the victims were killed inside his home around 3 a.m. local time while waiting for parliamentary results to be announced.

The election campaign was marred by clashes at opposition rallies, widespread repression, and intimidation, according to the United Nations. Despite these tensions, Thursday’s voting proceeded without major incidents.

Observers warn that Uganda’s elections, dominated by Museveni—who has held power since 1986—continue to expose deep political divisions and growing concerns over electoral transparency.