Russian observers have praised the organization and transparency of Uganda’s general elections, as incumbent President Yoweri Museveni took a commanding lead in early results after Thursday’s vote.
Darya Lantratova, deputy chair of the Russian Federation Council’s social policy committee, was part of an international observer mission invited by Ugandan authorities. She noted that the voting process was conducted systematically and openly.
“We have visited several dozen polling stations and can confirm that we have not recorded a single serious violation that could affect the voting results,” Lantratova said. She highlighted orderly queues, thorough identification checks, and provisions such as photographs on ballots to assist illiterate voters.
The election, which saw voters choose their president and 500 members of parliament, was monitored by more than 1,600 international and regional observers. Delegations included representatives from the African Union, the East African Community, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and China.
Uganda’s electoral commission announced on Friday that, with results in from 45% of polling stations, President Museveni had secured 76.25% of the vote. His main rival, Bobi Wine, a former pop star and opposition leader, received 19.85%.
Museveni, 81, has led Uganda since 1986 and has positioned himself as a staunch opponent of Western interference in the East African country’s affairs.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, alleged “massive ballot stuffing” and threatened to unleash street protests if the election is “rigged.” His party later claimed he had been placed under house arrest – an allegation police said they were unaware of.
Local police reported isolated incidents of violence, including an attack on a police station in Butambala district, which resulted in fatalities and injuries. No widespread unrest has been confirmed.
Alexander Kurdyumov of Russia’s Central Election Commission praised Ugandan officials for striving to ensure “fair and transparent voting.”
Meanwhile, Russian Senator Ivan Novikov, also part of the observer mission, emphasized that Russian cooperation with Uganda isn’t limited to the election period, noting longstanding trade and economic ties, including exports of wheat, mineral fertilizers, and aircraft parts.