**KAMPALA, UGANDA** – As vote counting continues in Uganda's highly anticipated general election, the opposition has levelled serious accusations of widespread electoral malpractice, including ballot stuffing and the intimidation of their election observers. These allegations, coupled with significant technical hitches and a government-imposed internet shutdown, have cast a long shadow over the democratic process in the East African nation.
Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power since 1986, is vying for a seventh term against a formidable challenge from pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. Wine, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been vocal in denouncing the integrity of the election, claiming that his party's representatives at polling stations across the country have been systematically removed or detained. "Massive ballot-stuffing reported everywhere," Wine stated, further elaborating 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 plagued by considerable disruptions. In the capital, Kampala, and the eastern city of Jinja, numerous polling stations remained operational for hours beyond their scheduled closing time. This delay was attributed to a confluence of factors, including the malfunctioning of biometric machines intended for voter verification, persistent network outages, and a scarcity of essential voting materials at some locations. The Electoral Commission, tasked with overseeing the polls, 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, effectively silencing communication channels and hindering 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 who argue it severely impedes transparency and accountability.
The pre-election period was not immune to controversy, having been characterised by what many observers described as heightened repression. Security forces were frequently deployed to disrupt opposition rallies, employing tear gas and live ammunition, and leading 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 a backdrop of uncertainty and deep-seated suspicion. The allegations of rigging, combined with the technical failures and the unprecedented internet blackout, have raised significant questions about the legitimacy of the outcome and the future of democratic governance in Uganda. The coming days are expected to be crucial in determining how these contested claims will be addressed and what implications they will have for the country's political trajectory.