Uganda Election Results Pending Between Museveni and Wine

Voting is underway in parts of Uganda amid an internet shutdown and accusations of rigging in presidential and parliamentary elections. Vote counting has begun.

Election Day Challenges

Presidential hopeful Bobi Wine alleged “massive ballot-stuffing” occurred, though he provided no supporting evidence. Authorities have not responded to these claims or to Wine’s assertion that numerous polling agents and supervisors from his National Unity Platform (NUP) party were “abducted” or removed from polling stations. Delays of up to four hours have been attributed to malfunctioning biometric machines used for voter verification, alongside issues with a lack of voting materials and equipment arriving late at some stations. Polling stations will remain open later than planned; voters who joined the queue by 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT) will be permitted to cast their ballots. The electoral commission previously apologized for “technical glitches” and stated officials were working to resolve them.

The Presidential Race

Incumbent Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh consecutive term. He faces a challenge from Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old pop star. The presidential vote result is expected to be announced by 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Saturday. Growing frustration among voters was observed in Kampala earlier on Thursday.

Technical Issues and Internet Shutdown

The problems at polling stations have been linked to the ongoing network outage. Election chief Simon Byabakama ordered the use of the national voters’ register where biometric machines failed. The issues appear to have affected areas considered both pro-government and opposition strongholds. An internet shutdown was implemented on Tuesday, with the Uganda Communications Commission citing the need to prevent misinformation, fraud, and incitement of violence. The UN human rights office has condemned this move. The NUP accuses the regulator of attempting to hinder opposition mobilization and evidence sharing, and has launched an offline vote-monitoring app using Bluetooth technology.

Political Context

Museveni, who has amended the constitution to remove age and term limits, has held power for 35 years. Wine, who lost the 2021 election, alleges fraud. In addition to the presidential race, voters are also choosing a new parliament, with 353 seats contested. Economic concerns, particularly unemployment among young people, are key issues for many voters. The campaign period has been marked by escalating harassment of opposition supporters, including arrests and disruptions to Wine’s rallies. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke dismissed these complaints, accusing opposition supporters of being disruptive. The head of Uganda’s electoral body has reported receiving threats regarding the election results.