Yoweri Museveni, the current president of Uganda, is gearing up for the 2026 presidential election. At 81 years old, he has held power since 1986 and seeks a seventh consecutive term. His main challenger is Bobi Wine, a popular 43-year-old musician and politician. As the election approaches, several voting-related issues have surfaced.
Voting Challenges in Presidential Election
Reports indicate that malfunctioning biometric machines are creating obstacles in verifying voters’ identities. A ruling party official noted, “Some biometric machines are not working. I don’t know if it’s the internet.” Additionally, delays have resulted from polling materials and equipment arriving late at various locations.
Museveni’s Voting Experience
Museveni exercised his voting rights in Rwakitura Village in the Mbarara region. He faced issues with the biometric machine, stating, “I put my thumbprint on the machine but it did not accept it. However, my face was accepted instantly by the machine.” He raised concerns about potential election manipulations and called for an investigation into the voting process.
Electoral Commission’s Measures
Simon Byabakama, the electoral commission chief, has advised using the national voters’ register where biometric systems fail. He emphasized the commission’s responsibility to ensure no citizen is denied the right to vote due to machine failures.
- Polling station regulation: Polling hours may be extended if disruptions occur.
- Voting timeline: All registered voters in line by 4:00 PM will have the chance to vote.
- Results announcement: The election outcome is expected by 16:00 local time on Saturday.
Presidential Race Dynamics
The upcoming election is effectively a contest between Museveni and Wine. While Museveni has won the last six elections consistently, analysts suggest he is likely to maintain his grip on power. Conversely, Bobi Wine has pledged to confront corruption and implement substantial reforms, positioning himself as the voice of change.
As the 2026 presidential election approaches, the challenges faced during the voting process raise questions about the integrity of the electoral system. Both candidates present distinct visions for Uganda’s future, setting the stage for a closely watched political battle.
