As vote counting continues in Uganda's highly anticipated general election, the opposition has levelled serious accusations of widespread electoral malpractice. These allegations, which include claims of ballot stuffing and the intimidation of their election observers, have cast a significant shadow over the democratic process. Coupled with considerable technical hitches and a government-imposed internet shutdown, the integrity of the polls is now under intense scrutiny.
Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power since 1986, is seeking a seventh term against a formidable challenge from pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. Wine, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), has vociferously denounced the election's integrity. He claims his party's representatives at polling stations nationwide have been systematically removed or detained. "Massive ballot-stuffing reported everywhere," Wine stated, adding that "Many of our polling agents and supervisors abducted, and others chased off polling stations. RISE TO THE OCCASION AND REJECT THE CRIMINAL REGIME."
The voting process itself was significantly disrupted. In the capital, Kampala, and the eastern city of Jinja, numerous polling stations remained operational for hours beyond their scheduled closing times. This delay was attributed to malfunctioning biometric machines for voter verification, persistent network outages, and a scarcity of essential voting materials. The Electoral Commission has not yet issued a direct response to the specific allegations of ballot tampering and the disappearance of NUP officials.
Adding to the atmosphere of opacity and concern, Ugandan authorities implemented a nationwide internet blackout commencing on Tuesday. This effectively silenced communication channels and hindered independent observation and reporting. While President Museveni has acknowledged experiencing voting difficulties, he has pledged to investigate the reported challenges. However, the timing and scope of this internet censorship have drawn widespread criticism from civil society groups and international observers. They argue it severely impedes transparency and accountability.
The pre-election period was also marked by controversy, characterised by heightened repression. Security forces were frequently deployed to disrupt opposition rallies, employing tear gas and live ammunition. This led to numerous arrests of NUP supporters and officials. This climate of intimidation has amplified concerns about the fairness of the electoral contest. With the deadline for announcing the presidential results set for Saturday afternoon, the nation awaits the official tally amidst uncertainty and deep-seated suspicion. The allegations of rigging, combined with technical failures and the unprecedented internet blackout, have raised significant questions about the outcome's legitimacy and Uganda's democratic future.