Makana Kennedy
As Uganda gears up for its 2026 general election, there is growing concern both domestically and internationally about the possibility of President Yoweri Museveni manipulating the electoral process to ensure his continued stay in power. Museveni, who has been in office since 1986, has faced accusations of election manipulation in the past, and many fear that the upcoming election will be no different.
Uganda’s political landscape has been marred by allegations of election fraud and suppression of opposition voices for decades. The 2021 election, which saw Museveni secure a sixth term in office, was widely criticized for its lack of transparency and fairness. Opposition leaders were harassed, arrested, and even killed, while the media faced censorship and intimidation.
Given this history, it is not unreasonable to fear that Museveni will resort to similar tactics in 2026 to maintain his grip on power. One of the key concerns is the integrity of the electoral process itself. There are worries that the election will be marred by irregularities such as voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and manipulation of the results.
Furthermore, Museveni’s government has been accused of using state resources to tilt the playing field in his favor. The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has a significant advantage in terms of funding and access to the media, giving it an unfair advantage over opposition parties.
Another cause for concern is the lack of independence and impartiality of Uganda’s electoral institutions. The Electoral Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the election, has been criticized for its close ties to the ruling party. Many fear that it will not be able to conduct a free and fair election.
In addition to these concerns, there are also worries about the role of security forces during the election. The military and police have been accused of using excessive force against opposition supporters and of intimidating voters. There are fears that they will be used to suppress any protests or demonstrations against the outcome of the election.
Despite these concerns, there is still hope that Uganda can hold a free and fair election in 2026. The international community, including organizations such as the African Union and the United Nations, must put pressure on the Ugandan government to ensure that the election is conducted in a transparent and democratic manner.
Furthermore, Ugandan civil society and opposition parties must remain vigilant and continue to push for electoral reforms. They must work together to monitor the electoral process and hold the government accountable for any irregularities.
In conclusion, Uganda’s 2026 general election is at risk of being marred by fraud and manipulation. President Museveni has a long history of using underhand tactics to stay in power, and there are genuine fears that he will do so again. However, with the support of the international community and the determination of Ugandan civil society, there is still hope that the election can be free and fair. It is crucial that all stakeholders work together to ensure that the will of the Ugandan people is respected and that democracy prevails.
