Uganda's Presidential Election Marred by Technical Failures and Internet Shutdown
Kampala, 15 January 2026
Biometric voting machines malfunctioned across Uganda during yesterday’s presidential election, forcing officials to use manual voter registers as 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni seeks his seventh term against challenger Bobi Wine. The government imposed a nationwide internet blackout citing security concerns, while voters in Kampala faced significant delays due to equipment failures and late delivery of polling materials.
Electoral Chaos as Biometric Systems Fail
The electoral process faced immediate disruption when biometric identification kits failed to function properly at polling stations across Uganda on 14 January 2026 [1]. Election chief Simon Byabakama was forced to authorise the use of national voters’ registers where biometric machines malfunctioned, stating that “It is the primary duty of the Electoral Commission to ensure that no citizen is disenfranchised due to machine failure” [1]. Even President Museveni experienced difficulties with the technology, though he reported that while his thumbprint was rejected, his face was accepted instantly by the machine [1]. The Electoral Commission apologised for what it termed “technical glitches” and pledged to resolve the issues throughout the day [1].
Polling Extended Amid Equipment Delays
Beyond the biometric failures, polling materials arrived late at numerous stations, compounding voter frustration particularly in the capital, Kampala [1]. To address these logistical problems, polling stations remained open until all voters queuing by 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on 14 January had cast their ballots [1]. The scale of the election was substantial, with over 21 million Ugandans registered to vote for both the presidency and 353 parliamentary seats [1][6]. The technical difficulties occurred against a backdrop of heightened security in Kampala from 11 January onwards [1].
Communication Blackout Imposed for Election Security
The Uganda Communications Commission suspended internet access and blocked the sale and registration of new SIM cards from 11 January 2026, citing the need to “mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and related risks” [4][5]. This nationwide internet blackout drew criticism from pro-democracy activists and followed a pattern from previous elections [4][5]. The government simultaneously restricted the activities of rights groups monitoring campaign violations on 13 January, whilst hundreds of activists faced detention and journalists encountered operational restrictions [5][6].
Campaign Violence and Opposition Challenges
The lead-up to the election was marked by significant disruption of opposition activities, with security forces accused of assaulting and detaining supporters of Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform [1]. Police and military forces used teargas and gunshots against Wine’s campaign events, resulting in at least one death and hundreds of arrests [5]. Over 400 party members from Wine’s organisation were detained during the campaign period [8]. In December 2025, Museveni advised security forces to “use more teargas against the criminal opposition,” escalating tensions ahead of the vote [5]. Wine’s party urged supporters to monitor polling stations and record any irregularities using cameras to prevent electoral fraud [4].
Regional Implications for East African Stability
The election outcome carries significant implications for regional stability, particularly given Uganda’s role as a major refugee-hosting nation in East Africa [GPT]. With Uganda accommodating displaced populations in facilities such as Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps, any political instability could affect refugee protection and cross-border cooperation [GPT]. Political historian Mwambutsya Ndebesa warned that the increasing political polarisation “threatens the stability of the country because Uganda is prone to political instability” [5]. The election results, scheduled to be announced by 16:00 local time on 17 January 2026, will determine whether Museveni extends his rule that began in 1986, potentially setting the stage for succession planning involving his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba [1][4][6].