KAMPALA, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has warned against a surge in political violence ahead of tomorrow’s, Thursday, January 15, 2026, elections.
Ugandans are set to vote in an election that is likely to extend the rule of the long-term president while raising concerns about transparency, hereditary rule, military interference and an opposition strategy to prevent vote tampering at polling stations.
The 81-year-old Museveni, who concluded his presidential campaigns with a final rally at Kololo Grounds in Central Kampala on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, said he was aware of threats of violence in the run-up to the polls.
“I have heard threats of violence from the opposition. I urge Ugandans not to be intimidated. Go out and vote. Anyone who attempts to disrupt our peace will be dealt with firmly. Peace is guaranteed,” said the head of state, who has been in power for the past 40 years.
Museveni, who is seeking a seventh term in office, urged his National Resistance Movement (NRM) structures at the village level to mobilise in small groups.
“If each leader moves with three others, the numbers will speak for themselves,” added the Ugandan strongman.
He expressed gratitude after completing 143 rallies across all districts of Uganda.
“These were not just rallies but celebrations. People came joyfully with their families. Uganda is now ranked among the five fastest-growing economies in the world, and with oil production coming on stream, we shall move even faster. This is clear progress,” explained the head of state.
In a New Year’s Eve address, President Museveni said he recommended security forces use tear gas to break up crowds of what he called “the criminal opposition”.
How is President Museveni’s son meddling in the election?
Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old musician-turned-politician who stands for people who want political change, is a formidable opponent of President Museveni.
In the approximately 45 million-person East African country, six further contenders are vying for the presidency. There are 21.6 million registered voters, according to electoral authorities.
Although analysts predict that Museveni would most likely hold onto power, at the age of 81, he has grown even more dependent on the country’s security forces to uphold his rule. Wine accuses the military’s top commander, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, his son and presumed heir, of meddling in the election.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered an internet shutdown less than 48 hours ahead of the polls.
In a statement signed by UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, the government said the move followed a “strong” recommendation from the Inter-agency Security Committee.
UCC directed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement a temporary suspension of public internet access, the sale and registration of new SIM cards and outbound data roaming services to One Network Area countries.
“This measure is necessary to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks, as well as prevent the incitement of violence that could affect public confidence and national security during the election period,” said Nyombi.
According to Nyombi, the suspension is effective Tuesday, January 13, 2025, at 6pm and will remain in force until a restoration order is issued by the UCC.
In an attempt to stop voting fraud, Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform, has advised supporters to remain close to polling places and to exercise caution after casting their ballots.
Voters may congregate 20 meters (65 feet) away from polling places under Ugandan law. Voters in Uganda are being urged by electoral officials to cast their ballots, return home, and possibly return later to observe the tallying of votes.
Why does Bobi Wine want voters to remain at polling stations?
The debate over whether voters should remain in polling places as witnesses has sparked public debate and increased concerns that, should security forces decide to follow the electoral body’s instructions, the election may turn violent.
“The first step is for all of us to stay at the polling stations (while observing the 20-metre distance) and ensure that nothing criminal happens,” Wine wrote Tuesday on X. “We implore everyone to use their cameras and record anything irregular.”
When Wine initially stood for president in 2021, he encountered similar obstacles. Dozens of his supporters were imprisoned, he was frequently beaten by the police, and his clothing was torn off.
In a recent media interview, he claimed that “the military has largely taken over the election” and that at least three of his followers had been slain in violent campaign events.
The abduction and disappearance of opposition sympathisers are examples of “widespread repression”, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.
How President Museveni has managed to control Uganda
According to Ugandan officials, the presidential elections have been largely calm. Over the weekend, Ugandan authorities started deploying troops in various areas of Kampala, the country’s capital, with soldiers patrolling the streets and armoured trucks dispersing throughout the city.
Col. Chris Magezi, a military spokesman, denied worries that the mobilisation was anti-democratic and stated that the deployment was intended to prevent violence.
For almost 40 years, Museveni has controlled Uganda by constantly changing the laws to maintain his hold on power. Rivals have been imprisoned or marginalised, and term and age restrictions have been eliminated. However, the National Resistance Movement, the dominant party, lacks a clear successor.
Concerns about hereditary rule have been raised by the president’s son, Kainerugaba, who has expressed a desire to succeed his father.
Four-star general Kainerugaba caused a stir after he posted obscene remarks on social media, including one about beheading Wine. Additionally, he wrote of the hanging of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has been imprisoned for allegedly politically motivated treason.
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