Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has assured voters that the forthcoming general elections will be free and fair, urging high turnout while warning against any attempts to disrupt peace.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Rakai district on Thursday, the 81-year-old leader, who is seeking a seventh term, emphasised that security forces would protect voters on polling day.
“On the day of voting, people should come out and vote freely. No one will disturb you,” Museveni told supporters. “Whoever tries to disturb our peace or attack the voters will regret it.”
He attributed Uganda’s stability to the rejection of sectarian politics, a disciplined army and robust state institutions, cautioning that disorder could reverse economic and social gains seen in more unstable neighbours.
The elections, set for 15 January 2026, come amid concerns over rising political violence and repression. Rights groups have warned of potential atrocities, citing intimidation of opponents and journalists in the run-up to the vote.
Museveni’s main challenger is expected to be opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, as the president aims to extend his near four-decade rule.
Other notable candidates include Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation – ANT), Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Forum for Democratic Change – FDC), and Elton Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party – CP).
The pre-election environment is highly contentious, marked by a systematic crackdown on political opposition, civil society organizations, and media outlets.
There have been reports of escalating violence, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on campaign events, leading to concerns from international observers about the fairness and integrity of the process.
