Ugandans are heading to the polls today, January 15, 2026, in a highly charged presidential election that could extend the long rule of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term.
Museveni, 81, faces significant opposition, most notably from Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine, a former pop star and leader of the National Unity Platform, who has energized many young voters and is campaigning for change.
Several other candidates are also on the ballot, including Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Mugisha Muntu (ANT), Mubarak Munyagwa (Common Man’s Party), Robert Kasibante (NPP), Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party) and Frank Bulira Kabinga (RPP).
The election is taking place amid tight security, an internet blackout imposed by authorities, and concerns about fairness and transparency.
Ruto to roll out NYOTA fund for Machakos, Makueni and Kitui
President William Ruto will today roll out the NYOTA Project (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement) programme for Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties.
The business start-up capital disbursement will be held in Machakos Stadium in Machakos town from 9 am.
Accompanying the President will be Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and senior government officials.
On Tuesday, Ruto and Kindiki rolled out the fund in Samburu County.
This was a day after rolling out the programme in Nyeri where disbursed Sh173.2 million to startups.
The Nyota programme has also been rolled out in Nyeri, Kakamega, Eldoret and Nakuru counties.
Nyota is designed to provide seed capital to young entrepreneurs, enabling them to start or expand businesses while supporting job creation at the grassroots level.
MPs meet stakeholders over proposed partial sale of state’s Safaricom stake
The Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and Select Committee on Public Debt and Privatisation will continue to meet stakeholders over partial divestiture of the government’s shareholding in Safaricom.
The meeting will be held at Glee Hotel along Kiambu Road from 9.30 am.
Today, the two committees will meet Kenya Bankers Association, Association of Kenya Insurers, Petroleum Institute of East Africa, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, International Chamber of Commerce, digital Financial Services Association of Kenya, Federation of Kenya Employers and Fund Manager Association of Kenya.
National Treasury CS John Mbadi on Tuesday told the joint committee the government will retain 20 per cent shares and two seats on the board.
Mbadi said the proposed sale is expected to generate approximately Sh204.3 billion.
Under the proposal, the government will sell 6,009,814,200 shares, representing 15 per cent of Safaricom, for Sh34 per share, a 23.6 per cent premium over the six-month volume-weighted average price as of December 2025.
Mbadi said the proceeds will provide seed capital for the proposed National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
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