Uganda presidential election - Incumbent Museveni secures early lead with over 76 per cent

Uganda presidential election - Incumbent Museveni secures early lead with over 76 per cent

"Preliminary results from Uganda's elections on Friday show a decisive lead for the country's incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking a seventh term after four decades in power. According to the National Electoral Commission, Museveni has secured around 76 per cent of the votes counted so far from nearly half of the polling stations, while his main challenger, former pop star Bobi Wine, has garnered approximately 20 per cent. Technical glitches with biometric kits delayed polling by up to four hours, forcing Justice Byabakama to authorise manual registers to ensure voting continued. President Museveni, however, alleged these failures were an opposition tactic to manipulate the election. Opposition leader Wine accused authorities of 'vote rigging' and claimed he is under 'house arrest'. Police described the deployment as a 'precautionary measure' to ensure protection and prevent unrest. Earlier, authorities imposed a nationwide internet shutdown ahead of the vote, saying the measure was intended to prevent misinformation and curb incitement to violence during the electoral process. Museveni, 81, has been in power since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term. His main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, 43, has emerged as the leading opposition figure, drawing strong support among younger voters calling for political change."

Trump pushes for disarmament of Hamas as second stage of Gaza ceasefire begins

Trump pushes for disarmament of Hamas as second stage of Gaza ceasefire begins

US president also calls for return of final Israeli captive’s remains from group, which has refused to give up weapons Donald Trump has issued a fresh ultimatum to Hamas, adding to calls for the group’s disarmament as the second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire with Israel begins, even as key elements of the first phase remain unfulfilled. In a late-night post on social media on Thursday, Trump vowed to push for what he described as the “comprehensive” demilitarisation of Hamas, warning of severe consequences should the group refuse to comply. He also demanded the return of the remains of the final Israeli captive still believed to be held by the group, sharpening tensions at a fragile moment in the truce process. Continue reading...