Coalition flags repression and irregularities in Uganda’s presidential election

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni/FILE

A coalition led by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has condemned Ugandan authorities for blocking its partner organisations from monitoring Thursday’s presidential election.

It accused the country of using the judiciary, security forces and electoral institutions to entrench what it calls a “military takeover” of the democratic process.

The coalition described the environment in Uganda as falling far short of internationally recognised standards for free and fair elections.

“What is unfolding is not a democratic exercise, but a state-sponsored campaign of repression intended to subvert the will of the Ugandan people,” it said.

The election is a high-stakes rematch between 43-year-old opposition leader Bobi Wine (Kyagulanyi Ssentamu) and 81-year-old incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power for four decades. Six other candidates are also contesting.

KHRC criticised Uganda’s judiciary, alleging it has become a compliant arm of the ruling party. Judges, the statement said, are used to justify the exclusion of opposition candidates and provide a veneer of legality to fraudulent processes, undermining the courts as a forum for justice.

Security forces have also been accused of using violence to suppress opposition supporters.

The coalition said Museveni’s rivals were assaulted in Gulu and Kiruhura and live ammunition has reportedly been used against civilians, causing at least 10 deaths.

Military spokesperson Col Chris Magezi rejected these claims, insisting that security deployment was to deter violence.

The coalition singled out the Electoral Commission of Uganda (ECU) for incompetence and complicity, citing manipulated voter registers, arbitrary removal of opposition candidates and unlawful directives during polling.

Allegedly, more than 20 candidates from the opposition National Unity Platform were disqualified, while more than 20 NRM candidates were declared unopposed.

Civil society and media outlets have reportedly faced severe pressure. Several NGOs had their operating permits suspended on January 12 and restrictions have been placed on media coverage of protests and election results.

Journalists have been assaulted and media houses threatened. A nationwide internet shutdown on January 13 further hindered scrutiny of the polls, according to the coalition.

The statement also highlighted the targeting of human rights defenders, including Dr Sarah Bireete, who faces detention and fabricated charges.

KHRC’s assessment paints a picture of an election dominated by fear, intimidation and structural manipulation, raising serious questions about the credibility of Uganda’s democratic process and the ability of opposition figures to compete fairly.