Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since seizing power in 1986, is seeking a decisive victory in Thursday's election to extend his 40-year rule amid ongoing debate about his eventual succession. 

After casting his vote at a polling station in Rwakitura, Museveni said he was confident of securing "80% of the vote, if there is no cheating."

According to partial results from Uganda's electoral commission based on tallies from nearly half of the polling stations, Museveni is leading with over 75% of the vote. His leading challenger, Bobi Wine follows with about 21%, while the remainder is split among six other candidates.

Police deny Bobi Wine house arrest claims

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke told DW that Wine was not under house arrest, countering claims from Wine's National Unity Platform (NUP) party.

"Bobi Wine is being protected because he is a person of security interest in this election and not an ordinary citizen," Rusoke said. "That is why police have deployed outside his home and restricted his movements."

Rusoke confirmed that around 400 people were arrested on election day for public disorder and for organizing what he described as "voter protection units."

"We had a few isolated incidents of disorder, which prompted police action," Rusoke told DW.

"Some of these incidents arose from excitement or misinformation. But we have solid deployment on the ground ready to address any unrest." 

The NUP stated on X that Wine and his wife had been effectively placed under house arrest.

"The military and police have surrounded the residence of President Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest. Security officers have unlawfully jumped over the perimeter fence and are now erecting tents within his compound," the party posted on X late on Thursday.

Despite Wine's call for protests, no demonstrations have been reported.

Delays and disruptions at polling stations

Election day was marked by significant delays across Kampala and other urban areas. Several polling stations failed to open on time due to missing election materials, sparking frustration among voters and candidates.

Museveni also acknowledged the technical challenges after casting his ballot.

"I put my right... thumbprint. The machine did not accept it. I put my left, it did not accept it," he told journalists.

He added that the machine finally accepted a scan of his face, allowing him to vote.

At a polling station on the outskirts of Kampala, voting began four hours late after officials had to switch to manual verification, the AFP news agency reported.

Opposition leaders accused the government of intentionally delaying voting in their strongholds — allegations officials deny.

During a press briefing, national electoral commission chairperson Simon Byabakama dismissed claims of sabotage, explaining that some biometric voter verification kits had malfunctioned.

"Shortly after voting began, we received reports of failures in some verification kits," Byabakama told reporters.

"The commission therefore advised returning officers to proceed using the National Voters Register in accordance with electoral laws and guidelines."

What comes next?

The electoral commission is expected to announce the final results in the coming days.

With communication restrictions still in place and political tension rising, many Ugandans fear the post-election period may prove just as volatile as the campaign.

A Museveni victory would extend his nearly four decades in power.

Analysts continue to speculate about the political future of his son, general Muhoozi Kainerugaba, though Museveni has repeatedly rejected claims that he is grooming him as a successor.

For now, the country waits — hoping that the next announcement brings clarity rather than confrontation. 

Edited by: Keith Walker