Uganda's Election Day: Delays and Tensions Mark the Vote

Thu Jan 15 2026 12:15:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Uganda heads to the polls, widespread logistical delays and a government-imposed internet blackout create a tense atmosphere for voters. President Museveni seeks another term against pop star challenger Bobi Wine.

On election day in Uganda, polls have opened amid significant disruptions. Voters in key areas have faced delays due to biometric machine failures and an internet shutdown intended to curb misinformation. Long-time President Yoweri Museveni aims for a seventh consecutive term, challenging popular opposition candidate Bobi Wine. Concerns regarding election legitimacy are heightened with accusations of harassment against opposition supporters during the campaign. As tensions rise, the outcome of today's vote remains uncertain.

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 charismatic pop star Bobi Wine.

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

Some biometric machines are not working. I don't know if it's the internet, a ruling party official told AFP news agency.

Delays have also been caused by polling materials and equipment failing to arrive at some stations on time.

The poll is essentially a two-horse race between Museveni and singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who 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 as deeply worrying.

The NUP has rejected this explanation, accusing the regulator of trying to stop the opposition from mobilising and sharing evidence of election fraud.

With the polls due to close at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT), the results are expected to be announced by Saturday. As the voting unfolds, many are concerned about the overall electoral integrity.