January 15 marks a critical day in Uganda, as citizens head to the polls to elect their president. According to the official electoral timetable, polling stations were expected to open at 7:00 a.m., allowing voters to begin casting their ballots immediately.
However, voting failed to start on time across large parts of the country. By around 9:30 a.m., polling had still not commenced in many locations due to a nationwide internet shutdown, a situation described by a BBC correspondent reporting from Kampala.
Authorities had planned to use biometric machines to verify voters’ fingerprints, but these devices rely on internet connectivity to function. With internet services cut across the country, the machines were rendered inoperable, causing delays and preventing voters from being verified and allowed to vote.
Despite the disruption, many Ugandans who arrived early remained in long queues, waiting patiently as security was tightened around polling stations nationwide.
Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, 81, is seeking a seventh term after more than four decades in power. He is contesting the presidency against seven other candidates.
His main challenger is Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, who is running for president for the second time and enjoys strong support, particularly among young voters.
Election observers and analysts are legally barred from offering commentary on the conduct of the vote, whether through traditional media or social media platforms. This restriction has significantly limited independent monitoring and public scrutiny of the electoral process.
President Museveni has issued repeated warnings to citizens, urging them to avoid any actions that could disrupt public order or lead to criminal activity.
Polling stations were scheduled to remain open until 4:00 p.m. local time, with official results expected to be announced by Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights criticized the Ugandan government’s decision to shut down the internet nationwide, describing the move as deeply concerning.
Uganda’s Communications Commission (UCC) confirmed that internet services were suspended following what it termed “authoritative advice” from a joint security committee. The regulator said the decision was intended to prevent unrest, protect national security, and stop the misuse of social media and other communication platforms during the election period.
In a statement posted on X, the UN human rights office also condemned the suspension of ten non-governmental organizations (NGOs) just days before the vote.
On Friday, January 9, two letters—believed to have been issued by the National Bureau for NGOs—circulated online, announcing the suspension of the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders and Chapter Four Uganda, both prominent human rights organizations.
The letters alleged that intelligence reports linked Chapter Four Uganda to activities deemed a threat to Uganda’s security and legal order. Authorities ordered the organization to halt its operations pending the conclusion of investigations, while assuring that the probe would be conducted within a reasonable timeframe and that the organization would be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
