Uganda’s presidential election concluded with ballot counting underway across the country, as voters and officials navigated technical challenges, security measures, and rising public tension. Long queues formed at polling stations in Kampala and other urban centres, with election officials manually verifying voter lists and counting ballots under police supervision.
Several voters expressed mixed emotions, with some hopeful for political change and others frustrated by what they described as a lack of meaningful competition. One resident said he chose not to vote, citing travel costs and unopposed candidates in his constituency. He added that the election felt unnecessary to him because local races had already been decided without contest.
During the counting process, disagreements emerged over the validity of certain ballots, leading to confusion and emotional exchanges at some stations. Observers questioned the handling of spoiled votes, with some alleging inconsistencies in how marks on ballots were interpreted.
President Yoweri Museveni said technical failures had affected biometric voter verification machines, claiming the system did not function properly in some areas. He accused opposition actors of attempting to interfere with the process, while defending the use of facial recognition technology, arguing that fingerprints can be unreliable due to human factors.
Ahead of the vote, authorities imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, saying the move was intended to prevent misinformation and reduce the risk of violence. The decision, however, sparked criticism from civil society groups and citizens who said it limited access to information during a critical democratic exercise.
Museveni, who is 81 years old, has been in power since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term in office. His main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, 43, has gained strong support among younger voters who are calling for political change and greater accountability.
As vote tallying continues, Ugandans remain divided between hope and scepticism. While some see the process as an opportunity for renewal, others question whether the electoral system can deliver genuine political transformation. The final results are expected to determine whether the country will maintain its long-standing leadership or embrace a new political direction.
