21 million Ugandans are deciding the fate of a nation of over 50 million people amid heavy security deployment, an internet shutdown and fears of ballot rigging.
Voters gathered at some polling stations the night before to form queues as is regular in most African nations in one of the country’s widely watched presidential and parliamentary elections.
By the 8am voting time, some centers had opened polls while others experienced delays due to challenges in distributing election materials.
Voting is happening across 50,739 polling stations in 146 districts and cities as 21 million Ugandans prepare to choose their new leaders.
Registered voters increased by nearly 3.5 million, from 18.1 million in 2021 to 21.6 million voters in 2026.
Head of Public Relations and spokesperson for Uganda’s Electoral Commission, Julius Mucunguzi urged voters to adhere to voting rules.
“Message to Ugandans as they go to the polls is number one, keep peace. Two, follow the guidelines and follow the laws guiding the elections. Number three, make sure that you show up and vote,” Mucunguzi said.
The Electoral Commission also assured the electoral processes will not be affected by
“Voters do not need internet to go to the polling station, they go physically and cast their ballots. The biometric voter verification machines which are going to verify every voter, which will also verify every paper that will be given out do not operate online, they operate offline,” Mucunguzi added.
The country’s internet blackout has been widely criticized by the international community with the United Nations describing it as “deeply worrying.”
The crucial presidential election is among eight candidates. Key amongst them is incumbent Yoweri Museveni, who has been president in the country since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term.
Museveni’s closest contender, 43-year-old Robert Kyagulanyi, a musician-turned-politician, is seeking to unseat Museveni as he demands political change and youth-led leadership.
Ugandans elect the president under a two-round system: A candidate must win 50% + 1 vote to avoid a runoff.
The country’s Electoral Commission is expected to declare the results of the presidential election 48 hours after the elections.
