MWE Correspondent
Uganda has begun releasing preliminary results from its 2026 general election, showing President Yoweri Museveni in the lead as counting continues across the country.
The early figures, provided by the Electoral Commission of Uganda, reflect a small fraction of the total votes and are intended to offer only an initial snapshot of the unfolding election.
According to the commission, results have so far been collected from just 133 polling stations, representing roughly 0.26% of the nationwide vote. In these early counts, Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is holding a substantial lead over his main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine. Other candidates remain far behind in the initial tallies.
Election day, held on January 15, was marked by high security, with authorities deploying police and military personnel to polling stations and restricting internet access across the country. The government cited the shutdown as necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation, though critics, including local and international observers, have warned that limited communication could hinder transparency and affect the timely reporting of results.
The Electoral Commission emphasized that these early numbers are not final. They reflect only the votes counted at a fraction of polling stations, and the official nationwide results will only become clear as data from thousands of other polling stations are transmitted and verified.
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Ugandans are urged to remain patient while the process continues, and the commission has pledged to release updates as additional votes are tallied.
Opposition parties have voiced concerns over irregularities, citing reports of equipment malfunctions and delays at certain polling locations. Bobi Wine’s campaign has called for calm and adherence to due process, while also reserving the right to challenge results they view as inconsistent once the full vote count is completed.
Analysts note that the 2026 election is a pivotal moment in Uganda’s political landscape. Museveni, Africa’s longest-serving incumbent leader, is seeking yet another term, while Bobi Wine’s challenge represents one of the strongest opposition campaigns in recent years. The results will not only shape Uganda’s domestic governance but also send signals to the broader East African region about political competition, democratic processes, and electoral integrity.
