2026 Uganda Elections

The 2026 Ugandan presidential election was the general election held in the East African country of Uganda on 15 January 2026. The election took place between incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, seeking a seventh term since coming to power in 1986, and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). Voting took place on 15 January 2026 in a country with approximately 21.6 million registered voters.

The electoral process drew attention due to internet shutdowns, heavy deployment of security forces, and restrictions on opposition rallies. The Uganda Communications Commission stated that the internet disruption was implemented for reasons of “public security” and to prevent “online misinformation and electoral malpractice”.

According to preliminary results, President Museveni received 76.25% of the votes, while the main opposition candidate Bobi Wine received 19.85%.

Pre-Election Process

International Observation and Assessments

Regarding the electoral process, the United Nations, the European Union, and various international organizations announced they were closely monitoring developments in Uganda. Concerns were expressed regarding freedom of expression, the right to assembly, and the fairness of electoral conditions.

International observers shared the view that the elections would be decisive for Uganda’s political future not only based on the outcome but also on the transparency and inclusiveness of the process.

Security Policies and Military Deployment

Security measures in the country were elevated to a high level prior to the elections. The Ugandan government announced that beginning on 10 January 2026, soldiers accompanied by armored vehicles were deployed in certain areas of the capital Kampala. Authorities stated that this step aimed to prevent potential violent incidents.

President Museveni, in his New Year address, indicated that he had advised security forces to use tear gas to disperse crowds he described as “criminal opposition”.

Restriction of Internet Access

One day before the general elections, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) requested all internet service providers in the country to suspend internet services. The Commission stated that the decision was taken on grounds of public security, aiming to prevent online misinformation, disinformation, electoral malpractice, and incitement to violence.

Opposition parties and human rights advocates noted that the internet shutdown severely hampered the work of activists and journalists monitoring the election process. It was recalled that during the 2021 general elections in Uganda, internet access had also been cut for at least one week, during which numerous people lost their lives in protests.

Opposition Reactions

Opposition leader Kyagulanyi shared the UCC’s notice regarding the internet shutdown on his social media account, urging supporters to use offline communication applications. Kyagulanyi strongly criticized the authorities for deciding to suspend internet access.

The restriction of internet access and the military deployment were recorded as the main developments during the final phase of the electoral process. These measures sparked debate both within the country and internationally regarding the security, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights in the elections.

Candidates and Political Context

Eight candidates competed in the 2026 Ugandan presidential election. The two most prominent among them were Yoweri Museveni, leader of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and incumbent president, and Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), leader of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP). Yoweri Museveni came to power in 1986 and has remained head of state since then. Museveni regained eligibility for re-election after constitutional amendments in 2005 removed term limits and in 2017 removed the presidential age limit.

Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), known as a musician and activist, entered politics in 2017. He received 35 percent of the vote in the 2021 elections. During the 2026 campaign, Wine appealed to young voters but faced repeated interference from security forces. According to Al Jazeera, “Wine’s rallies were repeatedly disrupted by security forces using tear gas and live ammunition”.

At his final campaign rally, Museveni addressed his supporters with the statement: “Go and vote. Anyone who tries to interfere with your freedom will be crushed. We are ready to put an end to this indiscipline.”

Election Day (15 January 2026)

The 2026 general elections in Uganda were held on 15 January 2026. The National Electoral Commission announced that voting began at 07:00 local time and ended at 16:00. The Commission stated that results would be published within 48 hours as required by the constitution. On election day, reports emerged of delayed opening of polling centers in some areas and late delivery of voting materials. Long queues formed outside polling stations in many locations, including the capital Kampala. Polling officer Umaru Mutyaba noted that voters expressed frustration due to delays in the morning hours.

During the election process, the activities of some civil society organizations were suspended by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The media monitoring group “That Group” ceased its operations following a letter from the Ministry of Internal Affairs alleging that it had engaged in activities contrary to Uganda’s security and laws.

On election day and in the preceding period, security measures were elevated to a high level. The government announced that military units had been deployed in and around Kampala starting on 10 January 2026. These units were reported to be supported by armored vehicles. Government officials stated that the measures were intended to “prevent possible violent incidents.”

Election Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama appealed to the public before voting, saying: “Let us preserve the peace we have. Be civil, be tolerant. Even if someone is a supporter of a candidate you do not back, let us allow everyone to exercise their constitutional right.”

Throughout the election process, internet access was suspended nationwide. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) issued directives to all service providers to halt internet services. The Commission stated that the decision was taken to “ensure public security, prevent misinformation, and curb election fraud.” No protests or serious violent incidents were reported across the country on election day.

Election Commission and Security Concerns

Uganda Election Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama made public statements during the announcement of election results. Byabakama reported that he received threats from certain high-level state officials urging him not to declare specific candidates as winners. According to BBC reports, Byabakama said: “Some people say, ‘If you do not declare so-and-so president, you will see.’ I tell them, ‘I am not in the business of distributing votes.’”

Despite the threats directed at him, Byabakama emphasized that “only the will of the voters and the law will determine the outcome.” In the same statement, he added: “The law states that the candidate who receives more than 50 percent of valid votes becomes President of Uganda.”

Simon Byabakama also addressed the deployment of military forces in the streets during the election. In response to questions about the “heavy security presence,” he stated: “Security forces have been deployed to maintain peace and stability throughout the election process and should not intimidate voters.” The Election Commission reported that the nationwide internet shutdown did not affect vote counting. Commission Chairperson Byabakama explained that data was being transmitted from districts to the national tallying center through a “private system.”

Official Election Results

The official results of the presidential election held in Uganda on 15 January were announced at a press conference by the Uganda Election Commission. According to the published data, Yoweri Museveni, who has governed the country since 1986, was re-elected president with approximately 70% of the votes. It was reported that Museveni received approximately 8 million votes.

Turnout and Vote Distribution

The voter turnout was recorded at 52.9%. According to official results, Museveni secured the vast majority of valid votes, corresponding to approximately 70% of the total. These results were based on official data released by the Uganda Election Commission.

Term and Period Information

Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has now assumed the presidency for a seventh term. His candidacy and re-election were made possible by previous constitutional amendments that removed both term limits and age restrictions.

Population and Voter Data

According to official records, Uganda’s population is approximately 45 million. During the election process, approximately 21.6 million registered voters were reported. The announced turnout rate was calculated based on this registered voter figure.

National and International Observation

It was reported that various international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union, monitored the election process. These observation activities were made public concurrently with the announcement of the official results.

Post-Election Violence

Loss of Life and Security Interventions

In the days following the election, clashes occurred between security forces and opposition supporters, particularly in various regions of the country. According to information released on 23 January 2026, at least 30 people lost their lives in post-election violence.

Authorities stated that the deaths occurred during protests and security operations. Security forces were reported to have conducted large-scale operations to suppress violent incidents.

Arrests and Social Tension

It was reported that numerous individuals were taken into custody after the election. Security forces stated that the arrests were linked to actions threatening public order. Opposition groups, however, claimed these measures constituted political repression.

Protests following the announcement of election results were reported to have been particularly active in areas with high concentrations of young people.

Opposition Stance and Statements

Bobi Wine

Principal opposition leader Bobi Wine rejected the election results, asserting that the electoral process did not take place under free and fair conditions and that opposition supporters faced intimidation and arbitrary arrests. He denied any association with violence and called on his supporters to avoid it.

Opposition Response to Yoweri Museveni’s Statements

Opposition representatives condemned Museveni’s characterization of opposition groups as “terrorists,” arguing that this rhetoric aimed to criminalize political rivals. The opposition rejected any attribution of responsibility for post-election violence to themselves.

National Unity Platform (NUP) Officials

NUP officials reported that large-scale security operations targeting opposition supporters were carried out after the election, resulting in numerous arrests, and that these actions had the character of political repression. The party leadership announced that challenges to the election results would be pursued through political and civil means.