NAIROBI, Kenya- Ugandans are heading to the polls on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in a presidential election that has drawn national and international attention due to its political stakes, security concerns, and digital communication issues.
Who’s Running
The main contender in the race is President Yoweri Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term in office at age 81.
Museveni, leader of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has steered the country for nearly four decades, securing repeated election victories and maintaining strong control over state institutions.
Museveni’s leadership is credited by supporters for relative stability after years of civil war and economic progress in some sectors.
However, he has also faced persistent criticism over corruption, authoritarian governance, and constitutional changes that removed presidential age and term limits.
Challenging him once again is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, a 43‑year‑old former pop star turned politician and leader of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).
Wine has emerged as a vocal critic of Museveni’s long rule, rallying especially among Uganda’s large youth population and campaigning on promises of political freedom, economic reform, and anti‑corruption.
Other candidates from smaller parties and independent tickets are also on the ballot, but the contest is widely viewed as a two‑horse race between Museveni and Wine.
Key Issues in the Election
Economic Challenges:
Many Ugandans, particularly young voters, are concerned about unemployment, economic hardship, and limited opportunities. Bobi Wine has tapped into this frustration, though critics say his economic platform lacks detail.
Governance and Rights:
Political freedoms, human rights, and the fairness of the electoral process are central themes. International observers and rights groups have raised alarms over repression, including arrests of opposition figures and constraints on media and civil society.
Succession and Power Dynamics:
There is speculation about generational leadership transition. Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, a senior military figure, is seen by some as a potential successor, though this is contested within the ruling party.
Security and Political Environment
Security forces are highly visible in major cities like Kampala ahead of the election, reflecting concerns about possible unrest, though authorities say the deployments are to deter violence. Critics see this as part of an authoritarian trend.
There have also been allegations of repression and intimidation, including detentions of activists and attempts to restrict civil liberties.
The United Nations human rights office has documented patterns of repression leading up to the polls.
Internet and Communication Controls
In a move echoing the 2021 election, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has directed internet service providers to suspend public internet access starting January 13, 2026, ahead of the election day.
This suspension covers mobile broadband, fibre, and satellite services, and is justified by authorities as a measure to curb misinformation and violence, though critics argue it undermines transparency and civic engagement.
There have also been broader restrictions on satellite internet equipment imports, such as Starlink, prompting concerns from opposition figures about information access in a crucial democratic moment.
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
Observers and opposition groups have expressed doubts about the credibility of the election, citing issues with electoral preparedness, infrastructure, and trust in institutions charged with overseeing the vote.
What’s at Stake
While Museveni’s victory is widely anticipated given his entrenched political machinery, this election remains critical for Uganda’s democratic future. It will influence not only domestic governance but also how the country navigates youth aspirations, economic renewal, and human rights priorities in the years to come.
Timeline: Key Events Ahead of Uganda’s 2026 Presidential Election
- October 2025: Candidates officially declare intent to run; NRM confirms Museveni’s candidacy, while Bobi Wine announces NUP ticket.
- November 2025: Campaign season officially opens; political rallies and debates begin.
- December 2025: Allegations of repression emerge, including arrests of opposition activists and limits on media coverage.
- January 5, 2026: UCC denies reports of internet shutdown, claiming monitoring only.
- January 13, 2026: Uganda Communications Commission orders temporary internet and mobile services suspension nationwide to prevent misinformation and electoral violence.
- January 14, 2026: Security forces deployed in Kampala and major urban centers; parties intensify ground campaigns.
- January 15, 2026: Election Day — Ugandans vote for president and members of parliament. Votes counted and results expected within days.
Fact Sheet: Main Presidential Candidates
| Candidate | Party | Background | Key Platform / Priorities |
| Yoweri Museveni | National Resistance Movement (NRM) | President since 1986; former rebel leader; has amended constitution to extend term limits | Stability, economic development, security; continuation of current governance; support for long-term infrastructure projects |
| Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) | National Unity Platform (NUP) | Former pop star turned politician; represents youth and opposition | Political freedom, anti-corruption, youth employment, social reform, and economic opportunities |
| Other Candidates | Various smaller parties and independents |
