Uganda tightens security ahead of Thursday presidential election

Uganda has been placed on high security alert ahead of the much-anticipated presidential elections scheduled for Thursday.

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) said it has rolled out comprehensive security arrangements across the country to ensure the safety of voters, election officials and other stakeholders throughout the electoral process.

In a statement shared on its official X account, the police confirmed heightened deployment and vigilance,

Accompanying the message were several photographs showing uniformed officers conducting patrols along major highways, in urban centres and within residential areas in different parts of the country.

The images depicted both foot and vehicle patrols, signaling an increased police presence ahead of voting day.

According to the police, the enhanced security operations are aimed at preventing electoral violence, deterring criminal activity and ensuring a peaceful environment before, during and after the elections.

The poll will be closely watched both locally and internationally, amid heightened political competition and calls for transparency.

Incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is seeking a seventh term and is the flag-bearer of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), having led Uganda since 1986.

His main challenger is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine of National Unity Platform.

Other candidates include James Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC); Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera from the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT); Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP); Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP); Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga (Common Man’s Party) and Frank Bulira Kabinga of the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP). All eight have been officially cleared to contest the election.

The Electoral Commission has assured Ugandans of its readiness to conduct credible elections, while security agencies have called for peace before, during and after the voting exercise.

On Tuesday, Wine condemned the government’s decision to impose a “temporary” nationwide internet shutdown ahead of the country’s general elections.

He warned that the move undermines democracy and threatens citizens’ freedoms at a critical moment.

The shutdown, ordered by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), took effect on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6 pm and will remain in force until further notice—just one day before Ugandans head to the polls.

Wine, 43, expressed regret over the decision, describing it as a deliberate attempt by the ruling administration to stifle communication and transparency during the electoral process.

“The criminal regime has announced an internet shutdown throughout Uganda, beginning 6 pm today, ahead of the election on Thursday,” Wine said on X. He added defiantly, “Uganda will be free.”

The internet shutdown directive comes shortly after statements by Wine in which he warned of possible protests should the elections be perceived as unfair.

“If General Museveni rigs the election, we shall call for protests,” Wine told AFP from his home in Kampala, adding, “We've told the people not to wait for our instruction.”

The government’s move has raised alarm among observers and rights advocates, who note that internet restrictions around elections have become increasingly common in parts of the region. Such measures are often justified on security grounds but criticised for limiting freedom of expression and access to information.