Key opposition candidate Kizza Besigye, a three-time loser who was briefly detained by police in chaotic protests on Monday, said he was still confident of ending veteran President Yoweri Museveni’s three-decade grip on power in the East African nation.
“The election cannot be free or fair, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be won,” Besigye told AFP, saying he was still aiming for an “outright win”, not a second round run-off in which the opposition might unify.
At least one person was killed Monday as police fought running battles with Besigye supporters from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party.
“We believe we can win the unfree and unfair election, that’s what we are trying to do,” Besigye said before heading towards the city centre accompanied by some 300 supporters to hold rallies.
Many were riding motorbikes, waving tree branches and blowing whistles and horns, and wearing shirts with Besigye’s face emblazoned on the front.