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Uganda Election 2026: Vote Counting Begins Amid Opposition Allegations of Rigging and Internet Shutdown

**Article Title:** Votes Being Counted in Uganda Election as Opposition Alleges Rigging – Life Pulse Daily
**Date:** January 15, 2026

Introduction

The political atmosphere in Uganda remains tense as the Electoral Commission begins the critical phase of tallying ballots following the general election. While officials prepare to announce results, the process has been overshadowed by significant operational challenges, including a nationwide internet shutdown and accusations of electoral fraud from the opposition. This election represents a pivotal moment for the nation, pitting the long-standing incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni, against a vibrant challenge led by pop-star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. As vote counting progresses, the integrity of the process and the transparency of the results are under intense scrutiny both domestically and internationally.

Key Points

Background

The Political Landscape

Uganda’s 2026 election is defined by the clash between continuity and change. President Yoweri Museveni, now 81, has been in power since 1986. He is seeking a seventh consecutive term, arguing that his leadership guarantees stability and economic growth. His tenure has been bolstered by constitutional amendments that removed age and term limits, allowing him to extend his rule.

Opposing him is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. The 43-year-old former musician and leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has galvanized the youth demographic, which constitutes the majority of Uganda’s population. Wine’s platform focuses on tackling corruption, improving infrastructure, and ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare. He previously contested the 2021 election, alleging widespread fraud after the results were declared in Museveni’s favor.

The Role of the Electoral Commission

The Uganda Electoral Commission is the statutory body responsible for managing the election. In the 2026 cycle, the Commission faced early criticism regarding the deployment of biometric voter identification systems. These systems, intended to prevent voting fraud, experienced significant downtime in various regions, leading to delays that extended polling hours by up to four hours in some areas. The Commission has acknowledged “technical system defects” and assured the public that anyone in line by 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT) would be allowed to vote.

Analysis

Internet Shutdown and Information Control

One of the most contentious aspects of the election was the decision by the Uganda Communications Commission to suspend internet services nationwide. The official justification was to prevent the spread of misinformation, fraud, and incitement to violence. However, critics argue that this move effectively silenced the opposition and hindered the ability of citizens to report irregularities in real-time.

The United Nations human rights office described the blackout as “deeply concerning.” The National Unity Platform (NUP) rejected the government’s rationale, accusing the regulator of attempting to stifle the opposition’s ability to mobilize supporters and share evidence of electoral malpractice. In response to the blackout, the NUP launched an offline vote-monitoring application named “Bitchat.” This app utilizes Bluetooth technology to share images of results forms and voting data between devices without requiring an active internet connection, representing a technological workaround to state-imposed communication barriers.

Allegations of Electoral Fraud and Intimidation

As vote counting commenced, Bobi Wine took to social media to declare that “massive ballot-stuffing” was occurring nationwide. He further alleged that “many” NUP polling agents and supervisors had been “kidnapped, and others chased off polling stations,” preventing them from monitoring the tallying process. While these allegations have circulated widely, they were presented without immediate documentary evidence, and the government has not officially responded to these specific claims.

The campaign period preceding the vote was characterized by heightened tension. Amnesty International reported a “brutal campaign of repression,” citing the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and beatings against opposition supporters. Unlike the incumbent’s rallies, which were generally protected by state security, Bobi Wine’s campaign events were frequently disrupted. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke dismissed these complaints, accusing NUP supporters of being disruptive and threatening public order.

Logistical Challenges and Voter Frustration

Beyond intentional interference, logistical failures plagued the voting process. In Kampala, the capital, voters expressed frustration over the lack of voting materials and the failure of biometric machines. Kaweesi Ismail, a voter in Kampala, voiced the sentiment of many: “I’m angry because I have not voted in the past. We are supposed to start at seven, but so far [08:00] we have not started. The ballot papers aren’t even there.”

These delays raised concerns about voter disenfranchisement. While the Electoral Commission extended voting hours, the morning’s issues suggested that some frustrated voters may have left without casting their ballots. Turnout data has not yet been fully published, but observers note that logistical hurdles may have suppressed participation, particularly in opposition strongholds.

Economic Context

While the election is framed by political personalities, the underlying driver for many voters is the economic environment. With a majority of the population under the age of 30, youth unemployment remains a critical issue. Despite some economic growth, job creation has not kept pace with the number of young people entering the workforce. Additionally, disparities in access to quality healthcare and infrastructure remain significant concerns for the electorate.

Practical Advice

For observers, journalists, and citizens tracking the results of the Uganda election, the following steps are recommended to navigate the current information landscape:

1. **Verify Information Sources:** In an environment rife with allegations, rely on established international news agencies (such as the BBC, Reuters, or AP) and official statements from the Uganda Electoral Commission. Be cautious of unverified social media claims.
2. **Understanding the Tallying Process:** Vote counting in Uganda is conducted at polling stations, where results are publicly displayed (Form 7) before being transmitted to constituency and national tally centers. Monitoring these local results is crucial for verifying the final outcome.
3. **Safety Precautions:** For those physically present in Uganda, particularly in urban centers like Kampala, it is advisable to remain aware of local curfews or security advisories issued by the police or international embassies.
4. **Technology Workarounds:** In the event of continued internet restrictions, encrypted messaging apps with offline capabilities (like the Bitchat app mentioned by the opposition) or mesh networks may be used for communication, though users should be aware of potential security risks.
5. **Legal Recourse:** In the event of disputed results, Ugandan law provides a pathway for challenging election outcomes through the courts, specifically the Supreme Court. However, this process is often lengthy and subject to political pressures.

FAQ

Conclusion

The 2026 Ugandan general election highlights the complex interplay of technology, political legacy, and democratic aspirations. While vote counting is proceeding, the shadow of an internet shutdown, allegations of ballot irregularities, and a history of political repression have cast doubt on the legitimacy of the process in the eyes of the opposition. As the nation awaits the final declaration from the Electoral Commission, the international community remains watchful, urging transparency and adherence to democratic principles. The outcome will not only determine the leadership of Uganda but also set the trajectory for its economic and social development in the coming years.