Uganda held its general election on Thursday, January 15, with voters casting ballots for presidential and parliamentary representatives. The election primarily featured incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has been in power for nearly four decades, seeking a seventh consecutive term, against his main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, 43, also known as pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. The election day was marked by widespread logistical delays at polling stations and a nationwide internet shutdown.
Key Candidates and Platforms
President Yoweri Museveni
President Museveni, leader of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), first took power in 1986. His campaign, under the slogan "Protecting the Gains," emphasized continuity, stability, and progress. Constitutional amendments in 2005 and 2017 removed presidential term and age limits, respectively, enabling his extended tenure. Supporters credit his leadership with periods of peace and economic growth, including an average annual growth exceeding 6% for a decade, doubled primary school enrollment, and reduced HIV rates. His government aims for Uganda to achieve middle-income status by 2040 and highlights its role as Africa's largest host of refugees.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine)
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, represents the National Unity Platform (NUP). His campaign, using the slogan "Protest Vote," focused on issues such as youth unemployment, human rights, corruption, and wealth redistribution. Wine, who adopted the moniker "ghetto president" due to his upbringing in Kampala's slums, emphasizes liberation, freedom, and generational change. He transitioned from a music career, where his work often addressed social and political issues, to politics in 2017, winning a by-election as an independent candidate. In the 2021 presidential election, Wine secured 35% of the vote against Museveni's 58-59%, a result he disputed.
Other Candidates
Eight candidates were on the presidential ballot. Other notable candidates included Frank Bulira, Robert Kasibante, Joseph Mabirizi, Nandala Mafabi, Mugisha Muntu, and Mubarak Munyagwa. Prominent opposition figure Kizza Besigye was not able to participate, as he was in jail on treason charges.
Election Details and Voter Concerns
Approximately 21.6 million Ugandans were registered to vote in three elections: presidential, parliamentary (353 constituency MPs), and parliamentary (146 women representatives). Polling stations were scheduled to open at 07:00 local time and close at 16:00.
Key concerns for voters included high youth unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and disparities in access to quality education and healthcare. Corruption was also a significant issue, with Uganda ranking 140th out of 180 countries on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. Reports indicated that roughly Sh. 10 trillion ($2.7 billion) in public funds are misappropriated annually.
Pre-Election Environment and Integrity Concerns
The campaign period was characterized by reports of widespread repression and intimidation against political opposition, human rights defenders, and journalists. United Nations experts warned of a "pervasive climate of fear." Rights groups, including Amnesty International, reported harassment of opposition supporters, politically motivated arrests, and disruption of rallies by security forces, which Amnesty described as a "brutal campaign of repression."
Bobi Wine has faced imprisonment and multiple criminal charges, including illegal firearm possession and treason, which were widely perceived as politically motivated. During his campaigns, security forces were observed deploying tear gas and water cannons, and reports indicated the use of sticks against his supporters. Wine campaigned wearing protective gear. Authorities denied political motives for arrests, stating detentions were necessary for law and order and to prevent incitement to violence. President Museveni accused Wine of organizing violent rallies, an allegation Wine denied.
The independence of the electoral commission has been questioned by critics. The head of Uganda's Electoral Commission, Simon Byabakama, reported receiving threats regarding the declaration of results but affirmed adherence to the will of the voters and Ugandan law. He addressed concerns about a heavy military presence, stating that security forces were deployed to maintain peace, not to intimidate voters, and that reports of polling stations located within military premises were being investigated.
Internet Shutdown and Election Day Disruptions
On Tuesday, two days before the election, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directed all service providers to suspend internet access and limit mobile services nationwide, citing concerns over "online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud... as well as preventing [the] incitement of violence." The suspension began at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday, with no specified end date. The decision was based on a "strong recommendation" from security agencies. This action mirrored measures taken during the 2021 election. The UN Human Rights Office expressed "deep worry" over the shutdown, while the NUP contended it aimed to impede opposition mobilization and evidence sharing regarding potential election fraud. Bobi Wine advised supporters to use a Bluetooth-based communication app, though the UCC warned it could restrict its operation.
On election day, widespread logistical delays affected polling stations across the country. Some stations in the capital, Kampala, had not commenced operations hours after the scheduled start. These delays were attributed to malfunctioning biometric identification kits, with some reports linking these failures to the internet shutdown, and the late arrival of polling materials and equipment. The Electoral Commission apologized for "technical glitches" and instructed officials to use the national voters' register if biometric machines failed. Security was heightened in Kampala, with increased patrols and armored vehicles.
Provisional Results and Future Outlook
The presidential election results were legally required to be declared within 48 hours of polls closing, with an expected announcement by Saturday, January 17. A candidate must secure more than 50% of the votes cast nationwide to win in the first round; otherwise, a run-off would occur within 30 days between the top two candidates. Museveni has historically won presidential elections in the first round.
As of Friday morning, based on results from 45% of polling stations, the Electoral Commission announced provisional results showing President Museveni with 76% of the votes, while Bobi Wine had approximately 20%.
Uganda has a young population, with a majority of its 50 million citizens under 40 years old. Discussions about succession after Museveni's long tenure have been prominent. His son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who leads the army, has been widely speculated as a potential successor. While NRM spokespersons have stated the party has clear internal succession processes, Bobi Wine has expressed skepticism about Museveni's willingness to step down. Analysts have suggested that a Museveni victory was widely anticipated, with the election described by some as a managed security operation.