Uganda's Election Under Shadow of Delays and Disruptions

Thu Jan 15 2026 13:39:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Uganda opens polls for its presidential and parliamentary elections, voters face significant delays and an internet blackout. President Yoweri Museveni aims for a seventh term amid rising tensions.

Polls in Uganda have opened for presidential and parliamentary elections, but widespread logistical delays have marred the voting process. An internet blackout is causing further complications, with many polling stations opening late and biometric verification machines failing. President Yoweri Museveni seeks a seventh term in the face of challenges from opposition leader Bobi Wine, with the atmosphere around the elections described as tense amidst accusations of repression and threats against electoral officials.

Polls have opened in Uganda's presidential and parliamentary election, though voting has been disrupted by widespread logistical delays across the country amid an internet shutdown.

At 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT), the BBC observed that things had yet to get going at five polling stations in the capital, Kampala, an hour after voting was due to start.

The delays have been blamed on failures of biometric identification kits, which some have linked to the network outage. In the presidential race, Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has ruled the country for nearly four decades, is seeking a seventh successive election victory as he faces a challenge from a charismatic pop star.

Where voting has been taking place, there are reports that the biometric machines used to verify voters' identities are still malfunctioning in some areas.

Delays have also been caused by polling materials and equipment failing to arrive at some stations on time. The problems appear to be affecting areas that are seen as pro-government as well as areas that are seen as pro-opposition.

The poll is essentially a two-horse race between Museveni and singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, but given the president has won the six previous elections, analysts say he is likely to further extend his time in power.

Wine has promised to tackle corruption and impose sweeping reforms, while Museveni argues he is the sole guarantor of stability and progress in the country. The campaign period was marred by the disruption of opposition activities - security forces have been accused of assaulting and detaining Wine's supporters.

Internet access had been suspended ahead of voting day, with Uganda's Communications Commission saying a blackout was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud and the incitement of violence - a move condemned by the UN human rights office.

Authorities in Uganda have heightened security in the capital, with patrols and armored vehicles deployed across the city as fears of violence loom. Polls are due to close at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) with results expected to be announced two days later.