All news and updates from Uganda
Polls closed in Uganda on Thursday after a chaotic day of voting that took place under an internet blackout and with long delays caused by technical breakdowns as President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his 40 years in power.
Some linked the problems to an internet blackout imposed by the government on Tuesday despite repeated promises not to do so.
In many areas, voting had yet to start hours after polls were due to open as biometric machines — used to verify voters’ identity — were malfunctioning and ballot boxes were undelivered
Ugandans found polling stations still not open hours after voting was due to start Thursday, as President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his 40-year rule amid an internet shutdown and a police crackdown on the opposition.
The Uganda Communication Commission has ordered a ‘ temporary’ shutdown of the internet effective today, January 13, 2026, until further notice.
As dark clouds gathered overhead, young and old members of Uganda’s long-embattled opposition gathered for prayers at the home of an imprisoned politician — the mood both defiant and bleak.
Zaidi ya watu milioni 20 wamejiandikisha kupiga kura katika nchi hiyo ya Afrika Mashariki, huku Museveni mwenye umri wa miaka 81 akitarajiwa kwa kiasi kikubwa kuendelea kutawala kwa muhula mwingine, akisaidiwa na udhibiti wake mkubwa wa vyombo vya dola na usalama baada ya zaidi ya miongo minne madarakani.
At 81 — though some opponents say he is older — Museveni says he is fighting fit and ready for a seventh term if he wins Thursday’s election.
Amnesty International said Monday that Ugandan security forces have used torture and arbitrary arrests to intimidate the opposition ahead of elections on January 15.
They claimed that the operation was carried out by a “militia” linked to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and accused regional governments of collusion.
Mwanzo Tv News
