President Yoweri Museveni has seized a commanding early lead in the 2026 Uganda presidential election, with partial results showing him securing 76.25% of votes from 45% of polling stations, the Electoral Commission announced on Friday.
The 81-year-old leader, in power since 1986, is poised for a seventh term in a tightly contested vote held on 15 January under heavy security and a nationwide internet blackout.
Museveni, of the ruling National Resistance Movement, leads with 76.25%, while opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, trails with 19.85%. The remaining votes are divided among six other candidates in what has effectively become a two-horse race.
Tense voting day marred by delays
Voting proceeded amid significant challenges. Ballot boxes arrived late in many areas, and biometric voter verification machines malfunctioned nationwide, including at Museveni’s own polling station in Rwakitura. Authorities switched to manual verification, causing queues to stretch up to four hours in some locations.
The internet suspension, imposed by the Uganda Communications Commission days earlier to prevent misinformation, fraud and violence, drew sharp criticism from the United Nations human rights office as deeply worrying.
Opposition cries foul amid security clampdown
Bobi Wine, the 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician of the National Unity Platform, has alleged massive fraud, including ballot stuffing and intimidation. He provided no immediate documentary evidence.
Late on Thursday, his party claimed military and police had surrounded his Kampala home, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest, with officers reportedly jumping the fence and erecting tents in the compound. Authorities have not commented.
The pattern recalls the 2021 election, where Wine secured 35% but faced days of home confinement amid deadly protests.
Campaign violence and youth appeal
The campaign was marked by disruption of opposition events, with security forces accused of assaulting and detaining Wine’s supporters, using tear gas and live ammunition. Police dismissed the claims, blaming opposition supporters for provocation.
Wine, who appeals to Uganda’s youth—where most citizens are under 30—promises to combat corruption and introduce sweeping reforms. Museveni positions himself as the guarantor of stability and progress.
Analysts view the incumbent’s control over state institutions and security as making his victory highly likely, potentially extending his four-decade rule. Speculation continues that he favours his son, military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as successor, though he denies grooming him.
No major demonstrations had occurred by Friday morning, despite Wine’s earlier calls for protests if results proved manipulated.
The Electoral Commission expects to announce final results by 16.00 (EAT) on Saturday.
