Lawyers for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine filed a challenge in the Supreme Court on Monday against President Yoweri Museveni's victory in last month's election, claiming the poll was rigged.

The 38-year-old singer-turned-lawmaker came a distant second behind veteran leader Museveni in the January 14 vote that followed some of Uganda's worst pre-election bloodshed in years.&nbsp;

Medard Sseggona, one of Wine's lawyers, said "any election Museveni participates in can never be a peaceful election, can never be a free and fair election".

"We want nullification of the election. We do not want (Museveni) participating in any future election," Sseggona said outside the Kampala courthouse where he filed the petition.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-armed-forces-withdrawn-from-bobi-wines-house-after-court-orders-359482">&nbsp;Uganda: Armed forces withdrawn from Bobi Wine's house after court orders</a>

Museveni, a 76-year-old former rebel leader who has ruled since 1986, won a sixth term with 58.4 per cent of the vote, according to the latest updated count from the electoral commission.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, secured 35.1 per cent and slammed the vote as a sham.

Under the constitution, Wine had 15 days from the declaration of results by the electoral commission to challenge the outcome.

The Supreme Court must now rule on the petition within 45 days.

Losing candidates have sought unsuccessfully in the past to overturn Museveni's wins in court. One of Africa's longest-serving rulers, Museveni has won every election since 1996, almost all marred by allegations of irregularities.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-high-court-ends-bobi-wines-house-arrest-359241">Uganda: High court ends Bobi Wine's house arrest</a>

'Invaded polling stations'

Sseggona said "soldiers invaded polling stations" and stuffed ballot boxes with pre-ticket votes. Electoral registers were tampered with at other locations, he added.

"Museveni cannot be left to cheat and steal scot-free," Sseggona said.

Museveni, however, declared the election the cleanest in Uganda's post-independence history.&nbsp;

The run-up to the vote was marred by violence, and a sustained crackdown on government critics and Museveni's rivals.

In November, at least 54 people were shot dead by security forces loyal to Museveni during protests against one of Wine's numerous arrests.&nbsp;

The opposition leader was held under effective house arrest from polling day until a court ordered security forces end his detention last week.&nbsp;

Access to the headquarters of his political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been blocked for about two weeks.

Security toughened

Security was beefed up across Kampala on Monday, with soldiers atop armored personnel carriers and police marching in the streets.

Uganda's deputy inspector-general of police, Major General Paul Lokech, said the additional security was due to protests threatened by elements aligned to the NUP.

The party denied the allegations, with Secretary General Lewis David Rubongoya saying it advocates for a "peaceful change of Museveni's government, and not through violence".

Civil society activists have criticised the parameters for challenging Ugandan elections, with judges only examining events on voting day and the declaration of results, without also taking into consideration the overall campaign period.

"The electoral jurisprudence narrows an election process to votes, numbers and statistics on declaration day making election petitions very difficult," independent election analyst Crispin Kaheru told AFP.

By law, Wine must prove to the court that any alleged irregularities affected the outcome of the election "to a substantial manner" -- a much higher burden of proof than in civil cases.

Ugandan courts do not "look at elections as a process but only at events on polling day and declaration day, which makes it very difficult to prove substantial effect of fraud wrongdoing," Kaheru said.

Lawyers for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine filed a challenge in the Supreme Court on Monday against President Yoweri Museveni's victory in last month's election, claiming the poll was rigged.

Lawyers for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine filed a challenge in the Supreme Court on Monday against President Yoweri Museveni's victory in last month's election, claiming the poll was rigged. The 38-year-old singer-turned-lawmaker came a distant second behind veteran leader Museveni in the January 14 vote that followed some of Uganda's worst pre-election bloodshed in years. Medard Sseggona, one of Wine's lawyers, said "any election Museveni participates in can never be a peaceful election, can never be a free and fair election". "We want nullification of the election. We do not want (Museveni) participating in any future election," Sseggona said outside the Kampala courthouse where he filed the petition. Also read| Uganda: Armed forces withdrawn from Bobi Wine's house after court orders Museveni, a 76-year-old former rebel leader who has ruled since 1986, won a sixth term with 58.4 per cent of the vote, according to the latest updated count from the electoral commission. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, secured 35.1 per cent and slammed the vote as a sham. Under the constitution, Wine had 15 days from the declaration of results by the electoral commission to challenge the outcome. The Supreme Court must now rule on the petition within 45 days. Losing candidates have sought unsuccessfully in the past to overturn Museveni's wins in court. One of Africa's longest-serving rulers, Museveni has won every election since 1996, almost all marred by allegations of irregularities. Also read| Uganda: High court ends Bobi Wine's house arrest 'Invaded polling stations' Sseggona said "soldiers invaded polling stations" and stuffed ballot boxes with pre-ticket votes. Electoral registers were tampered with at other locations, he added. "Museveni cannot be left to cheat and steal scot-free," Sseggona said. Museveni, however, declared the election the cleanest in Uganda's post-independence history. The run-up to the vote was marred by violence, and a sustained crackdown on government critics and Museveni's rivals. In November, at least 54 people were shot dead by security forces loyal to Museveni during protests against one of Wine's numerous arrests. The opposition leader was held under effective house arrest from polling day until a court ordered security forces end his detention last week. Access to the headquarters of his political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been blocked for about two weeks. Security toughened Security was beefed up across Kampala on Monday, with soldiers atop armored personnel carriers and police marching in the streets. Uganda's deputy inspector-general of police, Major General Paul Lokech, said the additional security was due to protests threatened by elements aligned to the NUP. The party denied the allegations, with Secretary General Lewis David Rubongoya saying it advocates for a "peaceful change of Museveni's government, and not through violence". Civil society activists have criticised the parameters for challenging Ugandan elections, with judges only examining events on voting day and the declaration of results, without also taking into consideration the overall campaign period. "The electoral jurisprudence narrows an election process to votes, numbers and statistics on declaration day making election petitions very difficult," independent election analyst Crispin Kaheru told AFP. By law, Wine must prove to the court that any alleged irregularities affected the outcome of the election "to a substantial manner" -- a much higher burden of proof than in civil cases. Ugandan courts do not "look at elections as a process but only at events on polling day and declaration day, which makes it very difficult to prove substantial effect of fraud wrongdoing," Kaheru said.

Ugandan opposition leader files election challenge in court

A day after the court ordered an end to the house arrest of the Uganda opposition leader Bobi Wine, soldiers have finally left the premises after days of standing guard outside his personal residence.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, had been under a house arrest in his Kampala residence since the start of the voting of this year's Uganda election, i.e. January 14.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-high-court-ends-bobi-wines-house-arrest-359241">Uganda: High court ends Bobi Wine's house arrest</a>

Now, after 11 days, forces have left the area. Earlier, armed soldiers and police officers were placed outside his property in the capital city and Wine's family members were also not allowed to leave the premises.

The security forces now withdrew on Tuesday, and the leader can now finally convene with the newly-elected MPs from his National Unity Platform (NUP).

This is the first time Bobi Wine has been able to convene the meeting since the Uganda elections took place.&nbsp;

Wine has accused General Museveni of voter fraud and has claimed that the recently-concluded elections to be rigged and has also alleged an attempt of a coup against him and locals of Uganda.

"I was put under illegal detention in my own house because General Museveni did not win," he told the MP and party supporters. "He is staging a coup against the will of the people of Uganda."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uganda-opposition-leader-bobi-wine-appeals-for-help-357724">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uganda-opposition-leader-bobi-wine-appeals-for-help-357724/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The armed forces were forced to leave the premises after the High Court ruled in favour of the petition lodged by Wine's legal team who claimed Wine's house arrest to be unlawful.

However, the Uganda government claimed the restrictions were simply preventive measures for Wine's own protection, and also to make sure no illegal protests take place during the election period.

Meanwhile, Wine has urged his supporters and Uganda locals to reject the election results as a sham and not let the reign of President Yoweri Museveni continue for another term. "We want Museveni out of office in less than a year," he said.

A day after the court ordered an end to the house arrest of the Uganda opposition leader Bobi Wine, soldiers have finally left the premises after days of standing guard outside his personal residence.

A day after the court ordered an end to the house arrest of the Uganda opposition leader Bobi Wine, soldiers have finally left the premises after days of standing guard outside his personal residence. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, had been under a house arrest in his Kampala residence since the start of the voting of this year's Uganda election, i.e. January 14. Also read| Uganda: High court ends Bobi Wine's house arrest Now, after 11 days, forces have left the area. Earlier, armed soldiers and police officers were placed outside his property in the capital city and Wine's family members were also not allowed to leave the premises. The security forces now withdrew on Tuesday, and the leader can now finally convene with the newly-elected MPs from his National Unity Platform (NUP). This is the first time Bobi Wine has been able to convene the meeting since the Uganda elections took place. Wine has accused General Museveni of voter fraud and has claimed that the recently-concluded elections to be rigged and has also alleged an attempt of a coup against him and locals of Uganda. "I was put under illegal detention in my own house because General Museveni did not win," he told the MP and party supporters. "He is staging a coup against the will of the people of Uganda." WATCH| The armed forces were forced to leave the premises after the High Court ruled in favour of the petition lodged by Wine's legal team who claimed Wine's house arrest to be unlawful. However, the Uganda government claimed the restrictions were simply preventive measures for Wine's own protection, and also to make sure no illegal protests take place during the election period. Meanwhile, Wine has urged his supporters and Uganda locals to reject the election results as a sham and not let the reign of President Yoweri Museveni continue for another term. "We want Museveni out of office in less than a year," he said.

Uganda: Armed forces withdrawn from Bobi Wine's house after court orders

Uganda's government spokesman on Tuesday accused the US ambassador of breaching diplomatic norms and engaging in "mischief" over her attempt to visit opposition leader Bobi Wine, who is confined to his home.

The former popstar-turned-politician has been under effective house arrest guarded by soldiers and police, since he cast his ballot in last Thursday's presidential election, which he said was riddled with fraud.

US Ambassador Natalie Brown on Monday tried to meet with Wine — whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi — and was met with a line of police officers clad in riot gear who turned her away.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ugandans-are-voting-will-their-president-of-35-years-win-again-356989">Ugandans are voting. Will their president of 35 years win again?</a>

"The purpose of Ambassador Brown's visit was to check on Mr. Kyagulanyi's health and safety, given that he’s effectively been unable to leave his home, with security forces surrounding his residence," read a statement posted on the US Embassy’s Facebook page on Monday.

Wine, 38, came second in the presidential election, which returned Yoweri Museveni to power for a sixth term, and has said he is cut off from his lawyers and party as the days tick by for him to challenge the vote in the courts.

Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said the attempt by Brown, who took up her post during Uganda's fraught election campaign, was a sign "that she is up to mischief".&nbsp;

"We expect her to write to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to adhere to diplomatic norms. We don't think that a friendly country or someone who wants to help out in a difficult situation would act in this way," he told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uganda-opposition-leader-bobi-wine-appeals-for-help-357724">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uganda-opposition-leader-bobi-wine-appeals-for-help-357724/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It is the arrogance of the Americans, who think they rule the world."

The embassy of the United States said Uganda's election campaign had been "marred by the harassment of opposition candidates, campaign staff, and supporters; suppression of the media and civil society organization activities; and a nationwide internet shutdown before, during, and after voting day." &nbsp; &nbsp;

"These unlawful actions and the effective house arrest of a presidential candidate continue a worrying trend on the course of Uganda's democracy."

Asked if Wine was under house arrest, Opondo said he is "under the protection of the Uganda government" because he is the "target of many forces".

"It's in the interest of the Government of Uganda for him (Wine) not to be harmed in any way."

Uganda's government spokesman on Tuesday accused the US ambassador of breaching diplomatic norms and engaging in "mischief" over her attempt to visit opposition leader Bobi Wine, who is confined to his home.

Uganda's government spokesman on Tuesday accused the US ambassador of breaching diplomatic norms and engaging in "mischief" over her attempt to visit opposition leader Bobi Wine, who is confined to his home. The former popstar-turned-politician has been under effective house arrest guarded by soldiers and police, since he cast his ballot in last Thursday's presidential election, which he said was riddled with fraud. US Ambassador Natalie Brown on Monday tried to meet with Wine — whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi — and was met with a line of police officers clad in riot gear who turned her away. Also read| Ugandans are voting. Will their president of 35 years win again? "The purpose of Ambassador Brown's visit was to check on Mr. Kyagulanyi's health and safety, given that he’s effectively been unable to leave his home, with security forces surrounding his residence," read a statement posted on the US Embassy’s Facebook page on Monday. Wine, 38, came second in the presidential election, which returned Yoweri Museveni to power for a sixth term, and has said he is cut off from his lawyers and party as the days tick by for him to challenge the vote in the courts. Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said the attempt by Brown, who took up her post during Uganda's fraught election campaign, was a sign "that she is up to mischief". "We expect her to write to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to adhere to diplomatic norms. We don't think that a friendly country or someone who wants to help out in a difficult situation would act in this way," he told AFP. WATCH| "It is the arrogance of the Americans, who think they rule the world." The embassy of the United States said Uganda's election campaign had been "marred by the harassment of opposition candidates, campaign staff, and supporters; suppression of the media and civil society organization activities; and a nationwide internet shutdown before, during, and after voting day." "These unlawful actions and the effective house arrest of a presidential candidate continue a worrying trend on the course of Uganda's democracy." Asked if Wine was under house arrest, Opondo said he is "under the protection of the Uganda government" because he is the "target of many forces". "It's in the interest of the Government of Uganda for him (Wine) not to be harmed in any way."

Uganda slams US over attempted visit to confined opposition leader

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine remains under "house arrest", his party said on Sunday, after a disputed election returned President Yoweri Museveni to office for a sixth term.

The former ragga singer turned lawmaker came second in the presidential election, and has said the process was marred by widespread fraud and violence.

He has not left his home since he went out to vote in the election on Thursday, and on Friday said he was under "siege" as soldiers and police surrounded his home, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ugandas-opposition-leader-bobi-wine-says-military-raids-home-356972">Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine says military raids home</a>

"Our leader ... is effectively under house arrest," National Unity Platform spokesman Joel Ssenyonyi told a press conference, adding no one was being allowed access.

"His home is not a detention facility. We are very concerned about the state in which he is in, and his wife."

A Twitter update under Wine's account, written by an administrator as Uganda remains under an internet blackout for a fifth day, said the couple had "run out of food supplies."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It’s now four days since the military surrounded our home and placed my wife and I under house arrest. We have run out of food supplies and when my wife tried to pick food from the garden yesterday, she was blocked and assaulted by the soldiers staged in our compound. (ADMIN) <a href="https://t.co/MLEtSbyCcW">pic.twitter.com/MLEtSbyCcW</a>
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HEBobiwine/status/1350742076430888960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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The party said prominent MP, Francis Zaake, who had been arrested during an attempted visit to Wine's house on Friday, had been admitted to hospital "badly beaten and brutalised" by security forces.

Ugandan officials have said the soldiers and police were there for Wine's own security.

'Minority clique'

Wine and his NUP have yet to outline their next steps after dismissing the election as a "complete sham".

"Once again, a minority clique is forcing themselves on the majority of Uganda. That is something that we are going to resist. It is something that we are going to say no to using every avenue provided for within the law," said Ssenyonyi.

Museveni, 76, has ruled Uganda without pause since seizing control in 1986, when he helped to end years of tyranny under Idi Amin and Milton Obote.

Once hailed for his commitment to good governance, the former rebel leader has crushed any opposition and tweaked the constitution to allow himself to run again and again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ugandas-president-yoweri-museveni-wins-6th-term-in-office-amid-allegations-of-rigged-election-357201">WATCH|</a>

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His re-election with 58.6 per cent of the vote, to Wine's 34.8 per cent, came after the most violent election campaign in recent years, with the harassment of the opposition, media and deaths of scores of Wine's supporters.

Wine said there had been ballot-box stuffing, intimidation, and that his party's agents had been beaten and chased away during the election on Thursday.

However, Museveni has said it was the cleanest election in the country's history.

US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus praised Ugandans on Saturday for voting "despite an environment of intimidation and fear".

She added that the US was "deeply troubled by the many credible reports of security force violence during the pre-election period and election irregularities during the polls".

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine remains under "house arrest", his party said on Sunday, after a disputed election returned President Yoweri Museveni to office for a sixth term.

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine remains under "house arrest", his party said on Sunday, after a disputed election returned President Yoweri Museveni to office for a sixth term. The former ragga singer turned lawmaker came second in the presidential election, and has said the process was marred by widespread fraud and violence. He has not left his home since he went out to vote in the election on Thursday, and on Friday said he was under "siege" as soldiers and police surrounded his home, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. Also read| Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine says military raids home "Our leader ... is effectively under house arrest," National Unity Platform spokesman Joel Ssenyonyi told a press conference, adding no one was being allowed access. "His home is not a detention facility. We are very concerned about the state in which he is in, and his wife." A Twitter update under Wine's account, written by an administrator as Uganda remains under an internet blackout for a fifth day, said the couple had "run out of food supplies." It’s now four days since the military surrounded our home and placed my wife and I under house arrest. We have run out of food supplies and when my wife tried to pick food from the garden yesterday, she was blocked and assaulted by the soldiers staged in our compound. (ADMIN) pic.twitter.com/MLEtSbyCcW — BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) January 17, 2021 × The party said prominent MP, Francis Zaake, who had been arrested during an attempted visit to Wine's house on Friday, had been admitted to hospital "badly beaten and brutalised" by security forces. Ugandan officials have said the soldiers and police were there for Wine's own security. 'Minority clique' Wine and his NUP have yet to outline their next steps after dismissing the election as a "complete sham". "Once again, a minority clique is forcing themselves on the majority of Uganda. That is something that we are going to resist. It is something that we are going to say no to using every avenue provided for within the law," said Ssenyonyi. Museveni, 76, has ruled Uganda without pause since seizing control in 1986, when he helped to end years of tyranny under Idi Amin and Milton Obote. Once hailed for his commitment to good governance, the former rebel leader has crushed any opposition and tweaked the constitution to allow himself to run again and again. WATCH| × His re-election with 58.6 per cent of the vote, to Wine's 34.8 per cent, came after the most violent election campaign in recent years, with the harassment of the opposition, media and deaths of scores of Wine's supporters. Wine said there had been ballot-box stuffing, intimidation, and that his party's agents had been beaten and chased away during the election on Thursday. However, Museveni has said it was the cleanest election in the country's history. US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus praised Ugandans on Saturday for voting "despite an environment of intimidation and fear". She added that the US was "deeply troubled by the many credible reports of security force violence during the pre-election period and election irregularities during the polls".

Uganda's Bobi Wine still under 'house arrest' after poll: Party

Uganda will choose its next president on Thursday. This is Uganda's most violent election. There is heavy security deployment on the streets of the African country.&nbsp;

After a chaotic and bloody round of campaigning, the world's attention is on singer-turned-lawmaker Bobi Wine.

Wine has challenged president Yoweri Museveni who is looking for a record sixth term. But --- it won't be easy. The challenger has faced a series of arrests and violent attacks in recent months.

Even his supporters haven't been spared. In a recent tweet, Wine shared a video that allegedly shows --- a member of the campaign being arrested by the military.

Wine has also claimed --- that one of his supporters was shot dead in a raid. On Tuesday, Bobi Wine said he had been targeted with a raid too. The violence has caught the attention of the United Nations.

The Human Rights office expressed concerns last week, they called the arrest of opposition leaders worrying.

The Ugandan president's response was defiance. He accused the opposition of fuelling unrest and violating coronavirus regulations.&nbsp;

Social media and big tech is playing a role in this election too.

Ahead of the polling, Facebook shut down several accounts linked to the Ugandan government. According to reports, fake accounts were being used to spread disinformation to voters.

The Ugandan government accused Facebook of interfering in the election.

Social media has been banned ahead of polling. But, the opposition wants voters to use technology. Bobi Wine fears the election results could be rigged. He has called on voters to record the declaring of results in their districts.

Uganda has never seen a peaceful transition of power. But this could be another level. There are fears that the results could trigger a fresh wave of violence. The government anticipates a backlash. There is a massive military presence across Uganda now. A move that could deter voters from coming out.

Uganda will choose its next president on Thursday. This is Uganda's most violent election. There is heavy security deployment on the streets of the African country.

Uganda will choose its next president on Thursday. This is Uganda's most violent election. There is heavy security deployment on the streets of the African country. After a chaotic and bloody round of campaigning, the world's attention is on singer-turned-lawmaker Bobi Wine. Wine has challenged president Yoweri Museveni who is looking for a record sixth term. But --- it won't be easy. The challenger has faced a series of arrests and violent attacks in recent months. Even his supporters haven't been spared. In a recent tweet, Wine shared a video that allegedly shows --- a member of the campaign being arrested by the military. Wine has also claimed --- that one of his supporters was shot dead in a raid. On Tuesday, Bobi Wine said he had been targeted with a raid too. The violence has caught the attention of the United Nations. The Human Rights office expressed concerns last week, they called the arrest of opposition leaders worrying. The Ugandan president's response was defiance. He accused the opposition of fuelling unrest and violating coronavirus regulations. Social media and big tech is playing a role in this election too. Ahead of the polling, Facebook shut down several accounts linked to the Ugandan government. According to reports, fake accounts were being used to spread disinformation to voters. The Ugandan government accused Facebook of interfering in the election. Social media has been banned ahead of polling. But, the opposition wants voters to use technology. Bobi Wine fears the election results could be rigged. He has called on voters to record the declaring of results in their districts. Uganda has never seen a peaceful transition of power. But this could be another level. There are fears that the results could trigger a fresh wave of violence. The government anticipates a backlash. There is a massive military presence across Uganda now. A move that could deter voters from coming out.

Bobi Wine vs Yoweri Museveni: Who will become Uganda's next president?

Uganda opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and his campaign team were arrested on Wednesday and he said on Twitter that authorities returned him to his Kampala home in a military helicopter.

Uganda opposition candidate Bobi Wine arrested, police fire tear gas at protesters