{"id":23928,"date":"2026-01-15T00:31:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T00:31:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/23928\/"},"modified":"2026-01-15T00:31:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T00:31:06","slug":"ugandans-choose-between-pop-star-and-veteran-leader-in-presidential-poll","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/23928\/","title":{"rendered":"Ugandans choose between pop star and veteran leader in presidential poll"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ugandans are voting in an election which sees President Yoweri Museveni taking on a charismatic pop star in a bid to prolong his 40-year rule.<\/p>\n

The poll is essentially a two-horse race between Museveni and singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, but given the president has won the six previous elections, analysts say he is likely to further extend his time in power.<\/p>\n

Wine, 43, has promised to tackle corruption and impose sweeping reforms, while Museveni argues he is the sole guarantor of stability and progress in the country.<\/p>\n

The campaign period has been marred by the disruption of opposition activities – security forces have been accused of assaulting and detaining Wine’s supporters.<\/p>\n

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke has dismissed these complaints, accusing opposition supporters, particularly those belonging to Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) party, of being disruptive.<\/p>\n

Internet access had been suspended ahead of voting day, with Uganda’s Communications Commission saying a blackout was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud and the incitement of violence – a move condemned by the UN human rights office as “deeply worrying”.<\/p>\n

The NUP has rejected this explanation, accusing the regulator of trying to stop the opposition from mobilising and sharing evidence of election fraud.<\/p>\n

The former leader of a guerrilla army, Museveni has benefitted from two constitutional amendments<\/a> – removing age and term limits – that have allowed him to keep running for office.<\/p>\n

Wine, real name Robert Kyagulanyi, lost to the president in the 2021 elections. According to the electoral commission, he gained 35% of the vote compared to Museveni’s 59%, although Wine dismissed the results, alleging fraud.<\/p>\n

Alongside Museveni and Wine, six other presidential candidates are on this year’s ballot papers.<\/p>\n

Voters will also chose a new parliament, with 353 seats up for grabs.<\/p>\n

For many of those voting on Thursday, the economy is the key issue.<\/p>\n

The majority of the population is under 30 and although the average income is steadily rising, there are not enough jobs for all the young people looking for work.<\/p>\n

There are also concerns about poor infrastructure and disparities in access to quality education and healthcare.<\/p>\n

During the campaign period, opposition supporters have faced escalating harassment, including arrest on politically motivated charges, according to both the United Nations and Amnesty International.<\/p>\n

Wine’s rallies, unlike those of Museveni, have been disrupted by security forces.<\/p>\n

Amnesty has described the use of tear gas, pepper spray, beatings and other violent acts as “a brutal campaign of repression” ahead of the vote.<\/p>\n

In addition, the head of Uganda’s electoral body told the BBC he has received threats warning him against declaring certain results<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Some people say if you don’t declare so-and-so as president, you will see. I tell them that I am not in the business of donating votes,” said Simon Byabakama, vowing that only the voters would decide who won the election.<\/p>\n

The 2012 elections were also characterised by violence – dozens of people were killed in protests and the security forces were responsible for at least some of these deaths<\/a>, a BBC investigation found.<\/p>\n

Since Saturday, security has been heightened in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.<\/p>\n

Officers have been marching in formation and conducting patrols, while armoured vehicles have been stationed at various locations.<\/p>\n

Some Kampala residents have travelled to rural areas, saying they believe it is safer there during the election period.<\/p>\n

“Because Ugandan elections are often violent, I decided to re-register my polling centre in my home village,” one man told the BBC. He wished to remain anonymous.<\/p>\n

“I’m glad I made that decision, because as you can see now, there is a heavy and intimidating security presence in the city. So while I will still vote in my village, I am also staying away from this security scare.”<\/p>\n

Polls are due to close at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Thursday, although anyone in the queue at this time will be allowed to vote.<\/p>\n

The result of the presidential vote will be announced by the same time on Saturday, the electoral commission has said.<\/p>\n

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[Getty Images\/BBC]<\/p>\n

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