Uganda Presidential election Marked by delays, Internet Shutdown, and Allegations of Fraud
KAMPALA,Uganda – Uganda’s presidential election,held on Thursday,was marred by meaningful delays,a days-long internet shutdown,and accusations of electoral fraud,raising concerns about the openness and fairness of the process. The election pits incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power as 1986, against a field of challengers led by musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine.
Widespread Delays and Disrupted voting
Polling stations across the country experienced substantial delays, with some remaining closed for up to four hours past the scheduled 7 a.m. start time. The nation’s electoral commission attributed these delays to “technical challenges,” and instructed polling officers to utilize paper registration records to ensure all eligible voters could participate [[1]].Despite this measure, frustration mounted among voters forced to wait for extended periods to cast their ballots.
Umaru Mutyaba, a polling agent in Kampala, expressed the widespread sentiment, stating, “We can’t be standing here waiting to vote as if we have nothing else to do.” [[1]]. The delays were particularly pronounced in urban areas, traditionally strongholds of opposition support, raising suspicions of deliberate attempts to suppress voter turnout.
Internet Shutdown and Concerns Over Transparency
adding to the concerns surrounding the election, the Ugandan government initiated a complete internet shutdown on Tuesday, citing the need to prevent the spread of misinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement of violence [[3]]. this action drew sharp criticism from international observers, who condemned it as an anti-democratic tactic designed to stifle communication and hinder the monitoring of the electoral process. The shutdown disrupted banking services and considerably impacted the ability of citizens to share details and report on irregularities.
Allegations of Fraud and Opposition Claims
Bobi Wine and his supporters have vehemently alleged widespread electoral fraud, claiming that biometric voter identification machines malfunctioned at numerous polling stations and that instances of “ballot stuffing” occurred [[1]]. Wine reported on social media that his party’s polling agents and supervisors were abducted and prevented from monitoring the voting process.
While President Museveni acknowledged the technical issues with the biometric machines, he defended the electoral commission’s decision to revert to paper-based registration and refrained from commenting on the fraud allegations.
A History of Contested elections and Political Repression
Uganda has a history of contested elections and a lack of peaceful power transitions since gaining independence from British colonial rule six decades ago. museveni is seeking to extend his rule into a fifth decade, and his authority has become increasingly reliant on the military, particularly his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba [[1]].
This election mirrors the 2021 contest between Museveni and Wine,where Wine garnered significant support from young,urban voters,securing 35% of the vote compared to Museveni’s 58% – the president’s lowest share in three decades [[1]].
In the lead-up to the election, concerns mounted regarding transparency, the potential for hereditary rule, military interference, and vote tampering. The arrest of veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye on treason charges in February 2025 further underscored the climate of political repression [[1]].
Security Concerns and International Response
A heavy security presence was deployed throughout the country during the election period, with military units stationed in the streets. Amnesty International reported a “brutal campaign of repression” by security forces, citing an incident in November 2023 where the military opened fire on opposition supporters, resulting in one fatality.
Despite these concerns, President Museveni urged citizens to vote, warning against any interference with the electoral process. the electoral commission chairperson, Simon Byabakama, appealed for tolerance and peaceful conduct among Ugandans.
Looking Ahead
With results expected within 48 hours, the coming days will be critical for Uganda. The international community will be closely watching to assess the fairness and credibility of the election. The allegations of fraud, the internet shutdown, and the reports of intimidation raise serious questions about the democratic process in Uganda and the future of its political landscape. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly have significant implications for the country’s stability and its relationship with the international community.
2026/01/20 16:04:12