The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has reported that the 2026 Presidential and Parliamentary elections were generally peaceful but faced major challenges, including technical failures, low voter turnout, restricted internet access, and isolated incidents of violence.
In its preliminary findings, UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya said Ugandans voted on January 15, 2026, with 21,649,068 registered voters across 50,739 polling stations nationwide.
The Commission deployed 121 observers to monitor voting at 990 polling stations in 78 districts.
UHRC noted that polling materials were largely delivered on time, although delays in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono caused some polling stations to open as late as 11:30 a.m. Despite the delays, voters arrived early and remained calm.
Voter turnout dropped to 52.5 percent, down from 59.35 percent in the 2021 elections, with significantly lower participation recorded in urban areas, particularly Kampala and Wakiso.
The Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) performed poorly at many polling stations, forcing the Electoral Commission to revert to the manual voters’ register. Some polling stations in Yumbe and Wakiso did not receive the devices at all.
Security was largely calm, with police presence not interfering with the voting process. However, armed officers were observed in parts of Kampala, Sembabule, and Mbarara.
UHRC also raised concern over the partial internet shutdown affecting about 17 million users, saying it limited access to information during the electoral process.
Although voting was mostly peaceful, incidents of violence were reported in several districts, with media reports citing seven deaths.
UHRC has called for improved testing of electoral technology and enhanced voter education ahead of future elections.
By Newsroom
19th Jan 2026
END
