Uganda Election: Repression and Resistance Under Museveni’s Rule..

Описание: Voting in Uganda’s general election was delayed in several regions on Thursday due to technical failures and logistical setbacks, unfolding amid an internet shutdown and an intensified crackdown on opposition groups.

Polling stations in parts of Kampala and the eastern city of Jinja remained unopened nearly two hours after voting was scheduled to begin. Local reports indicated that ballot papers had not arrived at some locations, while biometric voter verification machines malfunctioned at others. Voters gathered at polling centres expressed frustration and concern over the delays.

The election is widely expected to extend President Yoweri Museveni’s nearly 40-year rule, following a campaign marked by violence and heavy security measures. Museveni, who has held power since 1986, is seeking a seventh term.

Security forces, firmly under the president’s control, repeatedly dispersed rallies of Museveni’s main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, using teargas and live ammunition. Supporters were detained, civil society activists arrested, and human rights organisations suspended. Earlier this week, authorities imposed a nationwide internet shutdown and restricted mobile services.

These developments have raised fears of post-election unrest, echoing violence seen after Tanzania’s October elections, where hundreds were killed. Analysts suggest the heightened repression may reflect concerns within the ruling National Resistance Movement over declining public support.

Museveni’s main challenger, Bobi Wine — a 43-year-old musician-turned-politician — has gained strong backing among younger voters frustrated by unemployment and limited opportunities. Most Ugandans have never known another president.

Though Museveni is credited with stabilising Uganda and fostering economic growth after years of political turmoil, critics say his long tenure has eroded democratic institutions. Allegations of corruption, repression, weakened judicial independence, and constitutional changes enabling prolonged rule have drawn domestic and international criticism.

Political analyst Mwambutsya Ndebesa said Wine’s challenge has exposed the regime’s intolerance for dissent, warning that growing political polarisation threatens national stability.

In the lead-up to the vote, police and military forces frequently broke up opposition events, resulting in at least one death and hundreds of arrests. Rights activist Sarah Bireete was detained in December after raising concerns about voter registry irregularities, and several rights groups were ordered to suspend operations earlier this week.

A recent report by the UN human rights office accused Ugandan authorities of using legal amendments passed since 2021 to suppress dissent and conduct the election in a climate of intimidation.

The government has defended its actions, saying security forces were responding to unlawful behaviour by opposition supporters. In a New Year’s Eve address, Museveni urged police to intensify the use of teargas against what he described as “criminal opposition”.

Despite the tension, Museveni continues to campaign on a platform of stability and development, promising job creation, agricultural value addition, and economic growth driven by oil production expected to begin this year.

Supporters like Festus Kezire in eastern Uganda credit Museveni with restoring peace and expanding access to education. Meanwhile, opposition backers such as Florence Naluyiba in central Uganda say the country urgently needs change, praising Bobi Wine for standing up for citizens despite personal risk.

While analysts say Museveni’s grip on state resources gives him a decisive advantage, observers are watching closely for signals about the president’s eventual succession. Speculation persists that he may be preparing his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to take over — a claim Museveni has denied.

More than 21.6 million Ugandans are registered to vote nationwide.

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