Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Uganda Holds Tense Election Amid Internet Shutdown
Uganda is having a big vote to choose its leader.
The current leader, Mr. Museveni, has been in charge for a very long time, about 35 years.
He wants to keep his job.
A popular singer named Bobi Wine is trying to challenge him.
Many young people support Bobi Wine because they want change.
The government has been stopping people from using the internet and has arrested many of Bobi Wine's supporters.
Some people think the vote might not be fair.
Mr. Museveni has been a friend to Western countries and has helped with things like taking care of refugees.
He might want his son to be the next leader, but not everyone agrees with that.
The vote is happening with a lot of tension and worry about what will happen next.
Uganda held a presidential election on January 14, 2021, with internet access restricted nationwide.
President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, faces a challenge from popular singer Bobi Wine.
Security forces have arrested hundreds of opposition supporters and killed at least one person during the campaign.
Museveni has positioned Uganda as a strategic partner of Western nations and is expected to win the election.
Succession questions loom as Museveni is believed to favor his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as his successor.
- Who
- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and opposition candidate Bobi Wine
- What
- Uganda's presidential election
- When
- January 14, 2021
- Where
- Uganda, with heavy military presence in Kampala
- Why
- To determine the next president of Uganda amid political tensions and succession questions
Government/Pro-Museveni
Opposition/Pro-Wine
Internet Shutdown
Government/Pro-Museveni
Necessary to prevent misinformation and maintain order.
Opposition/Pro-Wine
A tactic to suppress opposition and limit communication.
Security Force Actions
Government/Pro-Museveni
Justified response to lawless conduct by opposition supporters.
Opposition/Pro-Wine
Excessive use of force, including killings and mass arrests, to intimidate and suppress opposition.
Succession Plans
Government/Pro-Museveni
Museveni's son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is a capable leader and his ambitions should be respected.
Opposition/Pro-Wine
Succession should be democratic and not favor family members.
- Election Date
- January 14, 2021
- Internet Shutdown
- Yes, since January 12, 2021
- Main Candidates
- Yoweri Museveni, Bobi Wine
- Museveni's Rule Duration
- 35 years (since 1986)
- Opposition Supporters Arrested
- Hundreds
- Opposition Supporters Killed
- At least one
- Expected Economic Growth
- Double digits with oil production
- U.N. Human Rights Office Statement
- Elections amid 'widespread repression and intimidation'
- U.S. Stance on 2021 Election
- Denounced as neither free nor fair
Sources
Uganda to vote in tense election clouded by succession questions
Uganda voted today- After four decades in power, Museveni faces challenge from ‘ghetto president’ Bobi Wine
Uganda votes in tense election seen as test of Museveni’s strength
Uganda votes in tense election seen as test of President Museveni’s strength
