As Ugandans head to the polls, they are confronted with a defining choice: extending one man’s rule into a fifth decade or backing a challenger seeking to harness growing calls for political change.
President Yoweri Museveni, now 81, has been in power since 1986 and is contesting the presidency for a seventh consecutive term. Standing against him is Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old musician-turned-politician who has vowed to radically overhaul governance and introduce sweeping reforms.
On Tuesday, authorities suspended internet access for much of the population, citing concerns over public safety and the spread of false information. Bobi Wine strongly criticised the move.
With unemployment particularly high among young people in a country where most citizens are under the age of 30, economic issues have dominated the election campaign.
When will the results be announced?
If the process unfolds as scheduled, the presidential election outcome is expected by 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Saturday, 17 January.
Ugandan law requires the Electoral Commission to declare presidential results within 48 hours of the close of voting. Polling stations are set to shut at 16:00 local time on Thursday.
What are Ugandans voting for?
A total of 21.6 million registered voters are participating in three separate elections:
- Presidential election – eight candidates are contesting the top office
- Parliamentary election (constituency seats) – 353 MPs will be elected
- Parliamentary election (women’s representation) – 146 women MPs, one from each district, will be chosen
Who are the main presidential contenders?
This election marks the second time President Museveni and Bobi Wine have gone head-to-head at the ballot box. In the 2021 election, Museveni secured victory with 58% of the vote, while Bobi Wine received 35%, in a contest overshadowed by allegations of rigging and a heavy-handed response to opposition activity.
Although eight men are running for president, Museveni and Wine are widely regarded as the leading contenders.
Yoweri Museveni – National Resistance Movement (NRM)
Museveni first came to power four decades ago after leading a guerrilla movement that promised to restore democracy following years of civil conflict and the brutal dictatorship of Idi Amin.
Initially praised as part of a new generation of African leaders ushering in democratic reform, his image has been increasingly tarnished by allegations of human rights abuses and the intimidation of political opponents.
Critics argue that Museveni has governed with an iron grip since seizing power and accuse him of abandoning earlier pledges to step aside. For many Ugandans, he is the only president they have ever known.
Now Africa’s third longest-serving leader, Museveni has benefited from two constitutional changes that abolished both presidential term limits and age restrictions, enabling him to continue running for office.
He maintains that his leadership remains essential for Uganda’s stability and development.
Bobi Wine – National Unity Platform (NUP)
Bobi Wine, born Robert Kyagulanyi, is widely considered the most formidable of the seven opposition candidates.
Once nicknamed the “ghetto president,” he is seen by supporters as the voice of a younger generation seeking political transformation. His strongest backing comes from young, urban, and working-class voters.
Wine emerged as a serious political force five years ago when he finished second in the presidential race, securing the lowest vote share Museveni has ever recorded in an election. His National Unity Platform subsequently became the largest opposition party in parliament.
Since then, Wine has repeatedly accused security forces of harassment and intimidation.
Other presidential candidates include Frank Bulira, Robert Kasibante, Joseph Mabirizi, Nandala Mafabi, Mugisha Muntu, and Mubarak Munyagwa.
Veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who previously challenged Museveni four times, is not participating in this election. He remains in detention on treason charges after being arrested in neighbouring Kenya in 2024—allegations he has denied.
What issues matter most to voters?
Economic concerns, especially unemployment, are at the forefront for many voters.
Although average incomes have risen gradually since the pandemic, job creation has failed to keep pace with the rapidly growing youth population.
Voters have also raised concerns about inadequate infrastructure and unequal access to quality healthcare and education.
However, Uganda has largely avoided the sharp increases in living costs seen in other countries across the region, which have triggered public unrest elsewhere.
Corruption remains a significant issue. Uganda ranks 140th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, with widespread reports of bribery and nepotism across public institutions.
Will the election be free and fair?
Uganda’s electoral process has long attracted criticism. While officials insist this election will be credible, United Nations experts have expressed doubts, warning of what they describe as a “pervasive climate of fear.”
Human rights groups report that opposition supporters have faced escalating harassment during the campaign, including arrests on charges they describe as politically motivated.
Bobi Wine’s rallies have frequently been disrupted by security forces, in contrast to those of President Museveni.
Amnesty International has condemned the use of tear gas, pepper spray, physical assaults, and other forms of force, calling it “a brutal campaign of repression” ahead of polling day.
The government argues that such measures are necessary to maintain peace and prevent unrest.
Wine has urged voters to remain at polling stations after casting their ballots to help protect against electoral fraud. Election officials, however, have encouraged voters to leave peacefully after voting, assuring them that counting will be transparent and monitored by party agents, the media, and observers.
Despite these assurances, critics have questioned the independence of the Electoral Commission.
The opposition has also raised concerns that the internet shutdown is intended to prevent verification of results. The NUP says it has developed a vote-monitoring application that uses Bluetooth technology to transmit results without internet access.
How does the presidential voting process work?
Vote counting begins at individual polling stations immediately after voting ends. Results are then transmitted to a central tallying centre.
To win outright in the first round, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the national vote. If no candidate reaches this threshold, a run-off election between the top two contenders will be held within 30 days.
President Museveni has won all previous elections in the first round.
