Ugandans are heading to the polls today (Thursday) in a heated election that could determine whether President Yoweri Museveni continues his nearly 40-year rule or whether the opposition, led by pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, will take a breakthrough. The vote is drawing attention for its tension, heavy security measures, and clashes over political freedoms.
The race is dominated by Museveni and Wine, although six other candidates are also vying for the presidency. Museveni has successfully won six previous elections and remains a strong favourite. Wine, however, has gained a following among young voters and those calling for reform, making the contest unusually competitive.
At 43, Wine has focused his campaign on tackling corruption and reshaping Uganda’s governance. Museveni continues to present himself as the guarantor of stability, arguing that his experience is essential for the country’s progress and development.
The campaign has seen repeated clashes with security forces, with opposition rallies often broken up and supporters detained. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke rejected accusations of harassment, claiming that opposition supporters, particularly those from the National Unity Platform party, were responsible for disturbances.
In the lead-up to voting, Uganda imposed an internet blackout. Authorities said the measure was necessary to prevent misinformation, election fraud, and the promotion of violence. The United Nations described the shutdown as “deeply worrying,” while the NUP said it was an attempt to hinder opposition campaigning and the sharing of evidence regarding electoral irregularities.
Museveni, a former guerrilla commander, has remained in power after constitutional amendments removed age and term limits, allowing him to run for multiple terms. Wine, officially Robert Kyagulanyi, ran against Museveni in 2021 and secured 35 percent of the vote. Museveni took 59 percent, a result Wine rejected, alleging fraud.
Alongside the presidency, Ugandans are electing a new parliament with 353 seats at stake. Many voters are concerned about unemployment, especially among the country’s large youth population. Though incomes have risen steadily, job opportunities remain limited, leaving many young Ugandans anxious about their future.
Other issues influencing voters include poor infrastructure, unequal access to healthcare, and challenges in education. Opposition supporters have reported harassment, arrests, and intimidation, with international groups like the United Nations and Amnesty International documenting politically motivated actions. Amnesty described security forces’ use of tear gas, pepper spray, and beatings at opposition events as “a brutal campaign of repression.”
Uganda’s electoral commissioner Simon Byabakama has said he has received threats over declaring results. “Some people say if you don't declare so-and-so as president, you will see. I tell them that I am not in the business of donating votes,” he said, stressing that the outcome will be determined by the voters.
Past elections in Uganda have also been marred by violence. The 2012 vote led to deadly protests, with investigations pointing to security forces as responsible for some deaths.
In Kampala, security has been heightened since Saturday, with officers on patrol and armoured vehicles deployed across key areas. Some residents have opted to return to their rural hometowns, believing it is safer outside the capital during the election period.
“Because Ugandan elections are often violent, I decided to re-register my polling centre in my home village,” said one voter, who requested anonymity. “I'm glad I made that decision, because as you can see now, there is a heavy and intimidating security presence in the city. So while I will still vote in my village, I am also staying away from this security scare.”
Polling stations are scheduled to close at 16:00 local time on Thursday, although anyone in line by then will still be allowed to vote. The electoral commission has announced that presidential results will be declared by 16:00 on Saturday.
