Uganda opposition claims fraud as Museveni looks to victory

Sat, 19 Feb 2011

Kampala - Uganda's main opposition coalition claimed fraud on Saturday as partial results showed President Yoweri Museveni had built up a commanding lead in the East African nation's election.

With around 17 per cent of the ballots counted, Museveni had 1.6 million votes - 71 per cent - compared to just over 500,000 for his closest challenger, Kizza Besigye, the electoral commission said.

"What is clear is that there has been a lot of intimidation of our voters across the country and there has been massive rigging," Margaret Wokuli, spokeswoman for Besigye's Inter Party Coalition, said.

Besigye, a former ally of the long-term leader and runner-up in 2006, had earlier promised protests if irregularities were shown.

Museveni countered with a threat to use the military to crush any dissent, and Kampala was tense Saturday morning. Businesses were closed and there was a heavy security presence in and around the capital.

The president has controlled Uganda since seizing power in 1986, profiting from a weak and divided opposition.

While he has been praised for bringing economic stability and development to the East African nation, critics say he oversees a corrupt and authoritarian regime.

Some 13.9 million people were registered to vote. Final results are expected on Sunday.