Bobi Wine Says His Life Is In Danger Days after Elections

Posted by: Eninu William in Uganda news January 18, 2021

In the just concluded presidential elections in Uganda, Bobi Wine says his life is in danger. This follows Thursday’s election which saw Yoweri Museveni secure a sixth term in office.

The popstar-turned-politician told the BBC that he rejected the results “with the contempt they deserve”.

Bobi alleges that the election had multiple irregularities. His opponent Mr Museveni however called it Uganda’s fairest ever vote.

Dozens of people lost their lives in the campaigns marred by violence.

The government soon went ahead to shut down the internet a day to elections, a move condemned by election monitors.

They said confidence in the count had been damaged by the days-long cut. A government minister told the BBC on Saturday evening that the internet service would be restored “very soon”.

Bobi Wine’s Statement

In a phone interview with the BBC World Service, Bobi Wine said he was “worried about my life and the life of my wife”.

Security forces surrounded his house said have not allowed him to leave his house.

“Nobody is allowed to leave or come into our house. Also, all journalists – local and international – have been blocked from accessing me here at home,” he said.

Addressing what his party, National Unity Platform, might do now, he told the BBC that “all options are on the table including but not limited to peaceful protest” but he stressed that he was not calling for violent insurrection.

The opposition candidate earlier said: “I will be happy to share the videos of all the fraud and irregularities as soon as the internet is restored.”

What did President Museveni say?

The result gives President Museveni, 76 and in power since 1986, five more years as president.

Museveni out-rightly rejected any claims of fraud, describing the election as likely to be “the most cheating-free election” in the country’s history.

Mr Museveni also alleged that another country in the region had sent “agents to come meddle in our politics”.

“Foreign meddling will not be tolerated, we do not want foreigners interfering in our affairs. If foreign interference were a source of wealth then Africa would be the richest country in the world.”

The president’s supporters came out on to the streets of the capital, Kampala, on Saturday to celebrate his victory.

What have monitors said?

Issuing the final result on Saturday, the Electoral Commission said the vote had been peaceful, with a turnout of 57% of the almost 18 million registered voters.

But the EU, United Nations and several rights groups have raised concerns. Aside from an African Union mission, no major international group monitored the vote.

The AU has not yet commented.

Uganda social media ban raises questions over regulation in Africa

Earlier this week the US – a major aid donor to Uganda – cancelled its diplomatic observer mission to the country, saying that the majority of its staff had been denied permission to monitor polling sites.

Source: BBC

Check Also;

This is not a Paywall, but Newslex Point's journalism consumes a lot of time, hard-work and money. That's why we're kindly requesting you to support us in anyway they can, for as little as $1 or more, you can support us .

Please use the button below to contribute to Newslex Point, Inc. using a credit card or via PayPal.