What's happened
Uganda's presidential election on January 15, 2026, saw incumbent Yoweri Museveni declared likely winner amid reports of violence, opposition arrests, and a nationwide internet blackout. Opposition leader Bobi Wine claims abduction, but authorities deny. Results are pending, with international observers warning of repression.
What's behind the headline?
The recent events underscore Uganda's entrenched political repression under Museveni, who relies heavily on security forces to maintain power. The abduction of Bobi Wine and the internet blackout serve to limit opposition mobilization and international scrutiny. This election exemplifies how authoritarian regimes manipulate information and suppress dissent to secure electoral outcomes. The ongoing violence and arrests suggest that the election's legitimacy is compromised, and the potential for post-election unrest remains high. The international community's response will be critical in shaping Uganda's political future, but Museveni's control over state institutions indicates that the outcome will likely favor continued authoritarian rule, possibly with a transition to his son or another loyalist.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that Bobi Wine's home was restricted and he was allegedly abducted by security forces, with claims of a helicopter landing on his grounds. Reuters confirms Wine was forcibly taken, though authorities deny this. France 24 highlights Museveni's lead with over 73% of votes counted, while opposition claims of house arrest and violence persist. Al Jazeera notes the internet blackout and reports of violence, including deaths in Butambala. All sources agree that the election environment is heavily repressive, with widespread repression and intimidation, and that Museveni is expected to extend his rule. The contrasting reports on Wine's abduction and the violence in Butambala illustrate the tense and contested nature of this election.
How we got here
Uganda's election process has been marred by longstanding repression, including internet shutdowns, opposition arrests, and violence. Museveni, in power since 1986, seeks a seventh term amid accusations of electoral fraud and suppression of dissent. The election environment has been tense, with reports of violence and restrictions on media and opposition activities, reflecting a broader pattern of authoritarian control.
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What’s Happening with Uganda’s Election and Internet Shutdown?
Uganda’s recent presidential election has drawn international attention due to widespread repression, violence, and a government-ordered internet blackout. Many wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes—why is the internet being shut down, and what does this mean for democracy and human rights? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Uganda’s election crisis and what it signals for the country’s future.
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What’s happening in Uganda’s election and why are there concerns about repression?
Uganda’s recent presidential election has drawn international attention due to reports of violence, internet shutdowns, and allegations of electoral fraud. Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, seeking a seventh term, appears to be favored, but opposition leader Bobi Wine claims the process is rigged and that he was forcibly removed from his home. This raises questions about the state of democracy in Uganda and the broader implications for political freedom in Africa. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding this election and what it means for the region.
More on these topics
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Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is a Ugandan politician who has been President of Uganda since 1986. Museveni was involved in rebellions that toppled Ugandan leaders Idi Amin and Milton Obote before he captured power in the 1980s.
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Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known by his stage name H.E. Bobi Wine, is a Ugandan politician, activist, singer, actor, businessman and philanthropist.
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Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south
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The National Unity Platform, formerly the National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party, is a social-liberal and progressive political party in Uganda led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. The party spokesperson is Joel Ssenyonyi.
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Warren Kizza Besigye Kifefe, known as Colonel. Dr. Kizza Besigye, is a Ugandan physician, politician, and former military officer in the Uganda People's Defence Force.
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Muhoozi Kainerugaba is a Ugandan lieutenant general who serves as the commander of the land forces of the Uganda People's Defence Force and who was previously the commander of the Special Forces Command.
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Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization with its headquarters in the United Kingdom focused on human rights. The organization says it has more than eight million members and supporters around the world.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.