Uganda's Election Chaos: 3-Hour Delays and Unseen Consequences—Are You Missing the Shocking Details?

KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda's presidential election faced significant challenges on Thursday, marked by widespread delays and a controversial internet shutdown that critics argue undermines democracy in a nation where President Yoweri Museveni, 81, has been in power since 1986.

Polling stations struggled to open on time, with some remaining closed for up to four hours past the scheduled 7 a.m. start. The electoral commission attributed these disruptions to "technical challenges" and instructed polling officers to use paper registration records to prevent disenfranchisement. Amid these issues, a sense of frustration grew among voters waiting to cast their ballots.

“We can’t be standing here waiting to vote as if we have nothing else to do," said Umaru Mutyaba, a polling agent for a parliamentary candidate, outside a station in the capital, Kampala. Another prominent opposition figure, Ssemujju Nganda, a lawmaker seeking reelection in the Kira municipality, reported waiting in line for three hours and expressed concerns that such delays could lead to apathy and lower voter turnout, especially in urban areas where support for the opposition is strong.

Uganda, with a population of approximately 45 million people and 21.6 million registered voters, is witnessing a highly contested election. Museveni faces seven challengers, including musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, who is advocating for political change. Polls are scheduled to close at 4 p.m., and results must be announced within 48 hours, as mandated by the constitution.

Echoing sentiments of uncertainty, Nganda warned, “It’s going to be chaos,” highlighting the malfunctioning biometric voter identification machines that added to the delays. This election comes against a backdrop of Uganda's fraught electoral history, where no peaceful transfer of presidential power has occurred since independence from British colonial rule over six decades ago.

Museveni seeks to extend his presidency into a fifth decade, a prospect that raises concerns among critics who argue that democratic processes have been severely compromised. His administration's reliance on the military, particularly units led by his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba, further complicates the political landscape.

As polling day approached, tensions heightened. The government shut down internet access on Tuesday, citing reasons including misinformation and threats of electoral fraud. This disruption has affected various sectors, including banking, and has drawn scrutiny from international observers and human rights organizations. Amnesty International condemned the government's actions as part of a "brutal campaign of repression," referencing a violent incident where security forces opened fire on opposition supporters, leading to one death.

In a rally preceding the elections, Museveni urged Ugandans to vote in large numbers, asserting that “anybody who tries to interfere with your freedom will be crushed.” Meanwhile, Simon Byabakama, chairperson of the national electoral commission, called for civility and tolerance among voters, stressing the importance of maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.

The election environment has been further complicated by the suspension of activities for several civic organizations. For instance, a prominent media watchdog closed its office after allegations of undermining national security. Additionally, veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, remains imprisoned after being charged with treason in February 2025.

This election cycle is a continuation of the intense rivalry between Museveni and Wine, who captured significant urban support during the last election in 2021, securing 35% of the vote compared to Museveni's 58%, his smallest share since his first campaign. As the political landscape remains tense, the implications of this election extend beyond Uganda's borders, raising questions about the future of democracy in the region.