Ugandand are casting their votes in a pivotal election where President Yoweri Museveni faces off against the dynamic pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, as he seeks to extend his 40-year tenure in power.
This election essentially represents a contest between Museveni and Wine, yet analysts predict that Museveni, having secured victory in the last six elections, is poised to maintain his grip on leadership.
At 43, Wine has pledged to confront corruption and implement extensive reforms, while Museveni contends that he remains the only protector of stability and progress for the nation.
The campaign period has been plagued by disruptions targeting opposition activities, with security forces facing accusations of assaulting and detaining supporters of Wine.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke has dismissed these allegations, claiming that supporters of Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) party have engaged in disruptive behavior.
Ahead of the voting day, authorities suspended internet access, with Uganda’s Communications Commission asserting that the blackout aimed to curb misinformation, fraud, and incitement to violence. The UN human rights office condemned this action as “deeply worrying.”
The NUP has rejected the official rationale, alleging that the regulatory body is attempting to hinder the opposition’s ability to mobilize and document instances of electoral fraud.
Museveni, a former guerrilla army leader, has benefited from two constitutional amendments that removed age and term limits, enabling him to continuously seek re-election.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, previously lost to Museveni in the 2021 elections, where he garnered 35% of the vote compared to Museveni’s 59%. However, Wine has dismissed these results, claiming they were tainted by fraud.
In addition to Museveni and Wine, six other presidential candidates are vying for votes on this year’s ballot.
Voters will also select a new parliament, with 353 seats available.
For many participating in this election, economic concerns dominate the discourse. A significant portion of the population is under 30, and despite a gradual increase in average income, the job market is unable to accommodate all the young job seekers.
Widespread apprehension surrounds inadequate infrastructure and disparities in access to quality education and healthcare.
During the campaign, opposition supporters have endured increasing harassment, including arrests on politically motivated charges, as reported by both the United Nations and Amnesty International.
Unlike Museveni’s rallies, security forces have disrupted Wine’s events. Amnesty International has characterized the deployment of tear gas, pepper spray, beatings, and other violent measures as “a brutal campaign of repression” leading up to the election.
Moreover, the head of Uganda’s electoral commission revealed to the BBC that he has faced threats warning against the declaration of specific results.
“Some individuals have said that if you do not declare a certain candidate as president, there will be consequences. I assure them that my role does not involve donating votes,” stated Simon Byabakama, affirming that only the voters will determine the election outcome.
The 2012 elections also witnessed violence, with a BBC investigation uncovering that security forces were implicated in the deaths of numerous individuals during protests.
Since Saturday, security measures have intensified in Kampala, the capital city, with officers conducting organized patrols and armored vehicles stationed in key areas.
Some residents have opted to travel to rural regions, believing those areas to be safer during the election period.
“Given the history of violence in Ugandan elections, I chose to re-register my polling location in my home village,” shared one anonymous voter with the BBC. “I am relieved by my decision, especially with the heavy and intimidating security presence in the city. While I will vote in my village, I prefer to avoid this atmosphere of fear.”
Polls are set to close at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Thursday, with anyone in line at that time permitted to cast their vote. The electoral commission has announced that the presidential results will be released by the same time on Saturday.
