Ugandan presidential candidate Bobi Wine says his home is 'under siege'

KAMPALA, Uganda

Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, says his home is "under siege" from military.

"The military has jumped over the fence and has now taken control of our home," he said in a tweet on Friday, adding in another that "None of these military intruders is talking to us. We are in serious trouble. We are under siege."

Earlier journalists traveling to Wine's residence for a press conference were turned back by security forces well before reaching his home. 

Many reporters were also forced to leave the national election tally center, despite having accreditation.

In the morning Wine said he remained positive despite the "widespread fraud and violence experienced across the country" during Thursday's presidential elections, which took place under a complete internet shutdown.

The challenge now is for the country's electoral commission to "declare the will of the people," the hugely popular singer-turned politician wrote on Twitter as the votes are being counted.

Earlier last night, Kyagulanyi notified his supporters through twitter that his phone has been blocked and he couldn't communicate.

"Like my wife's, my phone has been blocked and I am unable to recieve or make regular calls. I know this is to stop me from communicating to our agents and coordinators. I encourage you comrades to be vigilant as I try to devise ways of reaching out to you."

The Uganda police force has confirmed the heavy deployment of its officers in Kyagulanyi's residence citing security. "It his true that our officers are deployed at Bobi Wine's home for his security. As presidential candidate, its our obligation to make sure that he and other presidential candidates are safe." Confirmed police spokesperson.

Long-standing ruler President Yoweri Museveni, 76, is seeking a sixth term in office. He is being challenged by 10 opposition candidates, including Wine.

Museveni told reporters on Tuesday that he would "accept the results" if he lost.

"Uganda is not my house... if the people of Uganda don't want me to help them with their issues, I go and deal with my personal issues very happily," he said.

Before casting his ballot on Thursday, Wine addressed the media and complained that the majority of his polling agents across the country have been prevented from observing the election by police.

Ugandan law guarantees that every candidate is allowed representation at polling locations.

Many polling stations were forced to use manual voting and checks after the biometric machines failed to register ballots because of the internet shutdown ordered by the government.

There were also reports of late delivery of voting material and insufficient material at numerous polling locations.

On Tuesday, two days ahead of the polls, internet service providers were ordered to block access to social media platforms. In an address to the nation on the same day, Museveni confirmed that Facebook and other social media were blocked, accusing them of "arrogance."

Uganda's Electoral Commission has said it will declare the winner within 48 hours after polls. - Africa