UN chief following post‑election developments in Uganda 'with concern'

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday conveyed his concern over the latest developments in Uganda after the Jan. 15 presidential election.

"The Secretary‑General is following with concern the post‑election situation in Uganda, including reports of arrests, detentions and violent incidents involving opposition figures and supporters," Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a news conference.

Dujarric said that the UN chief "notes the importance of restraint by all actors and respect for the rule of law and Uganda’s international human rights obligations, including the right to freedom of expression, association and of peaceful assembly."

He said Guterres also emphasized the "importance of due process and humane treatment for all those in custody, and underscores the need to safeguard civic space."

Uganda's election commission chief Simon Byabakama on Saturday announced the election results, with incumbent President Yoweri Museveni winning with 71.65%, while his main challenger, 43-year-old popular pop star-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, came second with 24.72%.

Museveni, now 81-years old and in power for four decades, is the fourth-longest-serving ruler on the African continent. He extended his time in office by eliminating previously established term limits in 2005 and 2017.

Byabakama added that the whereabouts of Bobi Wine remain unknown.