President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has taken an early lead in Uganda’s 2026 general elections, according to provisional results released from a small number of polling stations, setting the stage for a tense and closely watched vote-counting process across the country.
Early tallies from 33 polling stations indicate that Museveni has secured 61.7 per cent of the vote so far, while his main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, has garnered 33.6 per cent. Election officials have cautioned that these figures represent only a fraction of the total vote and should not be interpreted as final results.
The Electoral Commission of Uganda (EC) said the counting and verification process is still ongoing nationwide, with results continuing to stream in from different districts. In a brief statement, the Commission emphasized that only officially verified results announced by the EC should be considered authoritative, urging patience among candidates, supporters, and the general public.
A High-Stakes Election
The 2026 elections have been widely described as one of the most consequential in Uganda’s recent political history. President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking to extend his long rule, campaigning on a platform centered on stability, economic growth, infrastructure development, and national security.
On the other side is Bobi Wine, the musician-turned-politician and leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who has positioned himself as the face of change, particularly appealing to Uganda’s youthful population. His campaign focused on governance reforms, job creation, corruption, human rights, and lowering the cost of living.
The rivalry between the two candidates has drawn intense interest both domestically and internationally, with observers viewing the election as a defining moment for Uganda’s political future.
Voting Day and Early Developments
Voting took place amid tight security across the country, with police and military personnel deployed in major towns and perceived hotspots. While the Electoral Commission reported that voting generally proceeded peacefully, there were isolated reports of delayed openings of polling stations, logistical challenges, and long queues in some areas.
Several civil society groups and election observers praised the enthusiasm of voters, particularly young people, who turned out in large numbers despite concerns raised during the campaign period. However, some opposition figures alleged irregularities in certain locations, claims that election officials said would be investigated through the appropriate legal channels.
As counting began, early results from selected polling stations started circulating, prompting both excitement and caution. Analysts have warned against drawing conclusions from the limited data available, noting that voting patterns can vary significantly between urban and rural areas, as well as across different regions of the country.
Museveni’s Early Lead
The early figures placing Museveni at 61.7 per cent suggest strong performance in the initial polling stations reporting results. Political analysts say this may reflect support from regions traditionally aligned with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), as well as rural constituencies where Museveni has historically performed well.
NRM officials welcomed the early numbers but echoed the Electoral Commission’s call for patience. “We are confident in our support across the country, but we respect the process and await the final official results,” an NRM spokesperson said.
Supporters of the president have argued that Museveni’s long experience in leadership, combined with ongoing government programs in agriculture, infrastructure, and industrialization, continue to resonate with a significant portion of the electorate.
Bobi Wine’s Performance
With 33.6 per cent in the early results, Bobi Wine remains a strong contender, particularly given his dominance in many urban centers and among younger voters. NUP officials described the early tallies as encouraging, insisting that many of their strongholds were yet to report results.
“We are confident that as more polling stations submit their results, the picture will change significantly,” a senior NUP official said. “We urge our supporters to remain calm, vigilant, and peaceful as the process continues.”
Bobi Wine himself has repeatedly called on his supporters to document results at polling stations and to rely on official announcements, while also emphasizing non-violence and adherence to the law.
Calls for Calm and Transparency
Religious leaders, civil society organizations, and regional bodies have urged all stakeholders to remain calm and respect the electoral process. The African Union and other international observers have emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and the peaceful resolution of any disputes arising from the elections.
Security agencies have reported that the situation remains largely calm across most parts of the country, although they remain on high alert to prevent any outbreak of violence.
The Electoral Commission reiterated that the results will be released progressively and that the final outcome will only be declared after all votes have been counted, verified, and tallied in accordance with the law.
What Happens Next
In the coming days, more results are expected from polling stations across Uganda, including densely populated urban areas and remote rural regions. Analysts say these results will be crucial in determining whether Museveni’s early lead holds or whether the gap narrows as more votes are counted.
Under Ugandan law, candidates who are dissatisfied with the final results have the right to challenge them in court. Previous elections have seen petitions filed, underscoring the importance of a credible and transparent tallying process.
For now, the nation waits as the Electoral Commission continues its work. With emotions running high and political tensions palpable, many Ugandans are hoping that the remainder of the process will be conducted peacefully and that the final results will reflect the will of the people.
As the tallying continues, all eyes remain on the Electoral Commission, whose announcements in the coming hours and days will shape the political direction of Uganda in the years ahead.