Uganda's 2026 Elections: Yoweri Museveni Faces Bobi Wine in Presidential Race

Tumultuous Elections in Uganda

Today marks the beginning of presidential and parliamentary elections in Uganda, however, the voting process has been marred by logistical delays and interruptions to internet access. Over 21 million Ugandans are registered to vote, but in the capital city of Kampala, voters have expressed frustration as polling stations failed to open on time.

The delays have been attributed to malfunctions in biometric identification equipment, linked to network outages, as well as a lack of voting materials in certain areas. Additionally, voters in Kampala reported that some biometric machines were not functioning properly.

In a 'two-horse race' for the presidency, 81-year-old Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is aiming for a seventh consecutive term against Bobi Wine, a popular artist turned politician. Museveni claims to be the only guarantor of stability and progress, while Wine promises extensive reforms and a crackdown on corruption.

The election preparations have been overshadowed by restrictions on opposition activities, with security forces being accused of assaults on Wine's supporters. Internet access was suspended prior to election day, a measure justified by authorities as necessary to prevent misinformation and violence, a decision contested by the UN Human Rights Office.

Museveni, who has faced criticism in the past for consolidating power, has benefited from constitutional changes allowing him to run for election without age or term limits. In the 2021 elections, Wine garnered 35% of the votes compared to Museveni's 59%, results that Museveni contested due to allegations of fraud.

The 353 parliamentary seats are also at stake, and economic issues remain a priority for many voters, most of whom are young people facing limited job opportunities. Currently, security in Kampala has been heightened, and citizens are choosing to seek refuge in rural areas during this election period.

Polling stations are set to close at 4:00 PM local time, with the presidential election results expected to be announced on Saturday.