On Thursday, January 15, 2026, Uganda began its presidential election amidst a total communications vacuum.
While millions of citizens lined up to cast their ballots, they did so without access to the internet, as the government enforced a nationwide shutdown to “prevent misinformation and fraud.”
The atmosphere in the capital, Kampala, was a mixture of patience and growing frustration. Despite polls being scheduled to open at 7:00 am, many stations faced significant delays in receiving voting materials, leading to restless crowds at the gates of democracy.
The Generational Battle: Museveni vs. Bobi Wine
At the heart of this election is a stark contrast between the old guard and a new generation. President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has held power since 1986, is seeking to extend his 40-year tenure.
During his final rally, Museveni issued a stern warning, stating that anyone attempting to interfere with the freedom to vote would be “crushed” by security forces.
Standing in his way is Robert Kyagulanyi, the musician-turned-politician famously known as Bobi Wine. Representing a younger demographic in a nation of 45 million people, Bobi Wine has campaigned on a platform of total political transformation.
Technical Hurdles and Voter Frustration
The election’s integrity faced immediate questions as reports emerged of malfunctioning biometric machines. In Kampala, voters like Juma Katongole expressed deep skepticism after being told they could not vote without biometric verification, despite the machines failing to power on.
“As a voter, I am frustrated,” Katongole remarked. “I am losing confidence because they assured us no one would vote without biometrics, but the machines are not working.”
A Climate of Heavy Security
The lead-up to Thursday’s vote was marked by a visible military presence. Units have been patrolling the streets of major cities since earlier in the week.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have raised alarms over what they describe as a “campaign of repression,” following violent clashes at opposition rallies late last year.
Adding to the tension, the government has suspended several civic organizations and media watchdogs. One prominent group was forced to close its doors just 24 hours before the polls opened, with authorities alleging their activities were “prejudicial to national security.”
Election Fast Facts
- Total Registered Voters: 21.6 million.
- Poll Closing Time: 4:00 pm Thursday.
- Results Deadline: The Electoral Commission is constitutionally mandated to announce the winner within 48 hours of the polls closing.
- Key Opponent: Kizza Besigye, a veteran opposition figure, remains absent from the ballot as he continues to face treason charges from 2025.
As the 4:00 pm deadline approaches, the eyes of the international community are on the East African nation, waiting to see if the transition of power will be determined by the ballot box or defined by the heavy hand of security forces.
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