Elections in Uganda: Voter Frustration Amid Internet Blackout and Delays

Thu Jan 15 2026 12:49:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Election day troubles escalate in Uganda as voters face delays and an internet shutdown, raising concerns over the electoral process amidst the presidential race between Yoweri Museveni and Bobi Wine.

Uganda's presidential and parliamentary elections faced significant disruptions due to logistical delays and an internet blackout that led to voter frustration. Polling stations opened late in the capital, Kampala, with issues in biometric identification systems signaling concerns over the election's integrity. With President Yoweri Museveni seeking a seventh term against challenger Bobi Wine, widespread criticism of the electoral process and security forces targeting opposition remain pivotal issues.

Polls have opened in Uganda's presidential and parliamentary elections, though voting has been disrupted by logistical delays in parts of the country amid an internet shutdown.

In the morning, the BBC observed growing frustration among voters queuing at some polling stations in the capital, Kampala, where voting had yet to start. Election officials are yet to comment.

The delays have been blamed on failures of biometric identification kits, which some have linked to the network outage, as well as a lack of equipment in some places.

In the presidential race, Yoweri Museveni, 81, in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh successive victory as he faces a challenge from a charismatic pop star.

Where voting has been taking place, there are reports that the biometric machines used to verify voters' identities are still malfunctioning in some areas. Some biometric machines are not working. I don't know if it's the internet, a ruling party official told AFP news agency.

Delays have also been caused by polling materials and equipment failing to arrive at some stations on time.

The problems appear to be affecting areas that are seen as pro-government as well as areas that are seen as pro-opposition.

The presidential poll is essentially a two-horse race between Museveni and singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, but given the president has won the six previous elections, analysts say he is likely to further extend his time in power.

Wine, real name Robert Kyagulanyi, has promised to tackle corruption and impose sweeping reforms, while Museveni argues he is the sole guarantor of stability and progress in the country.

Internet access had been suspended ahead of voting day, with Uganda's Communications Commission saying a blackout was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud, and the incitement of violence - a move condemned by the UN human rights office as deeply worrying.

The (NUP) has rejected this explanation, accusing the regulator of trying to stop the opposition from mobilising and sharing evidence of election fraud. Reports indicate that security forces have been accused of assaulting and detaining Wine's supporters, intensifying a backdrop of anxiety ahead of the vote.

The election's integrity and fairness are called into question as irregularities in voting procedure emerge and the fast-approaching results announcement looms.