Bobi Wine shortly before casting his vote in the general election. He accused the government of arresting and abducting his party’s officials as the country went to the polls. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Bobi Wine shortly before casting his vote in the general election. He accused the government of arresting and abducting his party’s officials as the country went to the polls. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and are scheduled to close at 4 p.m., marking a full day of voting nationwide.
Museveni, 81, is seeking a seventh term after remaining in power since 1986. He is competing against seven challengers, among them 43-year-old opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, a former reggae musician who transitioned into politics and finished second in the previous election.
Ahead of the vote, opposition candidate Bobi Wine said that an internet shutdown was being used to restrict communication and undermine the electoral process, according to earlier statements.
The head of the electoral commission told local outlets earlier this week that official results would be announced within 48 hours after polling concludes, in line with national law. “What the voters will say is what I will declare to the nation, it is them who determine the president of the country, not me” he said.
In several areas of the capital, Kampala, and nearby districts, long queues formed outside polling centers. However, voting in some locations began late due to delays in the delivery of election materials, as observed by reports.
Uganda’s presidential race operates under a two-round system, requiring a runoff if no candidate secures more than half of the valid votes cast.
The country’s parliament consists of 556 members. This includes 353 lawmakers elected directly, 146 district woman representatives, 30 members representing the army, youth, workers, older persons, and people with disabilities, as well as 27 ex officio members such as the vice president and cabinet ministers, who do not have voting rights in parliament.
Voter registration has increased significantly, with approximately 21.6 million people eligible to vote, compared with 18.1 million during the last election cycle.
The campaign period leading up to the vote was marked by limits on public rallies and media activity, alongside the deployment of security forces throughout the country.
MENAFN
Bobi Wine casts his vote in the general election.. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
A Ugandan woman casts her vote in the general election. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM presidential flagbearer and incumbent, has cast his vote at his designated polling station in Rwakitura, as Ugandans across the country participate in the 2026 general elections.
The President arrived amid tight security and was greeted by local officials and a few citizens, reflecting the significance of his vote in the nationwide electoral exercise.
Observers noted that Museveni’s arrival marks one of the first high-profile votes of the day, drawing attention from both media and voters alike.
Speaking briefly before entering the polling station, officials confirmed that Museveni exercised his constitutional right to vote, joining millions of Ugandans in determining the country’s leadership for the next term.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has reassured citizens that all polling stations are operational, equipped with voting machines, ballot papers, and trained officials to ensure a smooth process.
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. 
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. 
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. 
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. 
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. 
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. 
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates. 
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Voting underway in the general elections in Uganda. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Any minor technical or logistical challenges reported at some stations are being addressed in real-time to prevent disruption to voters.
Political analysts say that the early vote by high-profile figures, including the President, can set the tone for voter confidence and turnout in the country.
The EC continues to urge citizens to participate peacefully and follow instructions from polling officials to maintain order and transparency.
As voting continues across Uganda, the eyes of the nation and international observers remain on Rwakitura and other key polling stations, where citizens are exercising their democratic right to shape the country’s political future.
Nilepost
