Bitter rift dominates Uganda poll

By Will Ross
BBC News, Kampala

Kizza Besigye says his supporters are being intimidated by the army

The blurred frenzy of presidential candidates rushing around Uganda to address rallies is over.

All eyes now turn to the ballot box, the count and the big question: where is the country heading after Thursday's election?

The population could not complain of a lack of variety among the five candidates.

Abed Bwanika is a relatively unknown vet, Ssebana Kizito is the gravelly voiced mayor of Kampala and Miria Obote is the widow of a former president - who had said she thought people were joking when her name was pushed forward.

Kizza Besigye is a tough-talking ex-army man who fell out with the incumbent, Yoweri Museveni.

While the first three added some colour to the campaign, it was clear from very early on that this was to be a two-horse race - and a bitter one at that.

Violence alert

Dr Besigye and Mr Museveni faced each other in the 2001 elections, which were marred by violence and criticised for the deployment of the military.

We have a culture where everybody must be the winner. That is not democracy Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki Send us your comments

This time, Dr Besigye has also had to contend with imprisonment and numerous court appearances to defend his name against charges of treason, terrorism, weapons offences and rape.

During his final campaign rally, President Museveni announced the deployment of 12,000 soldiers across the country, after saying he had learned of threats to use force during the election.

"It is perilous for those preparing to commit violence," he warned.

According to the state-owned New Vision newspaper, Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki has called upon the Electoral Commission to ensure it is not compromised while handling the election.

Justice Odoki appealed to the losing candidates to accept defeat.

"We have a culture where everybody must be the winner. That is not democracy," he said.

"The minority views must be respected. Let us have a culture of embracing those who have won and life goes on."

Divided

During the campaign, most attention has been on the personal rift between President Museveni and Dr Besigye.

Ugandan voters share their views on their country's key poll In pictures

They admit they have not spoken to each other for more than six years and have castigated each other at every opportunity during this campaign.

President Museveni, who still has strong support, came to power 20 years ago through a rebellion following flawed elections.

Many people voting for him are doing so because they view him as the man who returned most of the country to peace.

But the war rumbles on in northern Uganda, where Mr Museveni remains largely unpopular.

The fact that the conflict was not a campaign issue for Ugandans in other parts indicates the country's divisions.

Dr Besigye has already described these elections as neither free nor fair - and has accused the state of using the military to intimidate his supporters.

He says Mr Museveni is trying to blackmail the electorate with the assertion that he is the only man who can control the military and unless he is voted back in, the country will descend into violence.

Many Ugandans feel Dr Besigye has been mistreated by the state, especially by the military, and his support has grown as a result.

Bumpy ride

Most analysts suggest President Museveni will win, but a significant number of Ugandans are calling for change and backing Dr Besigye.

So many people will be disappointed, whatever the result.

If Mr Museveni wins, Uganda's future will be determined by how the growing resentment towards him is handled.

The prophets of doom say Uganda is in for a bumpy ride, whatever the outcome.

They warn that the worst-case scenario will be a split in the military.

Peace and stability remain highest on the list of hopes for Ugandans.