Uganda held widely watched presidential and parliamentary elections on 15 January 2026, choosing both the country’s leader and members of parliament.
According to official results released by the Uganda Electoral Commission, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner with approximately 71.6 percent of the vote, securing a seventh term in office. His main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform, received about 24.7 percent of the vote.
Observers reported that voting was generally peaceful and orderly in most of the areas visited. However, significant technical challenges were recorded, particularly the failure of biometric voter verification machines at numerous polling stations. These failures caused delays in the opening of polls and slowed the voter identification process in several regions.
Sarah Balindya, a GEOM observer who monitored polling in Kampala City and Wakiso District, reported that some polling stations received voting materials on time while others experienced late delivery. She noted that police officers were present to maintain security, but there was no visible deployment of the army at most locations she visited.
She said “Some polling stations received their materials early, while others received them late. Security police were present, but the army was not. There was a delay in starting the voting process because the officials responsible for guiding voters lacked proper skills and had to call a supervisor for assistance, which almost caused confusion and chaos.”
International and regional observer missions, including teams from the GEOM Mission, were deployed across the country to monitor the credibility, transparency, and fairness of the electoral process.
The Head of the GEOM Observation Mission stated that, despite the delays, the elections were conducted in a generally free and fair manner. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly testing biometric voting machines before future elections to avoid similar disruptions.
The Head of the GEOM Observation Mission stated, “These elections were free and fair, but there were delays in the start of voting, even though voters arrived early. I recommend that the National Electoral Commission first test their biometric voting machines.”
GEOM’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mboni Lubega Abel, echoed these concerns, noting that while many polling stations opened late due to machine failures, voters remained patient and continued to participate. He said that following guidance from the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, officials in affected areas reverted to using the manual voter register and extended voting hours by one hour to accommodate all eligible voters.
The CEO of GEOM, Dr. Mboni Lubega Abel, stated, “From our perspective, the election was free and fair, although most polling stations opened late due to the failure of the biometric voting machines. However, people were able to participate after the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission advised officials to use the voters’ register manually and extended voting by one hour.
Dr. Lubega also called for increased investment in civic education, urging authorities to do more to educate citizens about their constitutional rights and responsibilities in order to strengthen democratic participation.
The Uganda Electoral Commission issued a public apology to voters for the delays experienced on polling day and pledged to review its systems and logistics ahead of future elections.
NTAMBARA Garleon
Radio TV 10
