“The Mission noted that the elections were conducted within a political context marked by electoral competition polarised along regional lines. Also, the Mission was briefed on the involvement of military in the electoral process contrary to the Ugandan 1995 Constitution which prohibits the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) from engaging in electoral processes. Furthermore, the internet shut down implemented two days before the elections limited access to information, freedom of association, curtailed economic activities and further disrupted effective observation by the AU-COMESA-IGAD EOM. It also created suspicion and mistrust on the electoral process” (The African Union – Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development – Election Observation Mission – Preliminary Statement to the Republic of Uganda 15 January 2026 General Elections, 17.01.2026).
Lack of trust is just the beginning. Former Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck is vague, but his deliberate. For the African Union, COMESA and IGAD to jointly produce this Preliminary Report and state these things are rare. It is really stating the worsening of affairs and lack of free and fair elections. The charade and forgery of results will haunt the 12th Parliament and this Presidency. They all know it and the EOM cannot shade away from it either. This is the second time… the AU is doing this and last time was with the recent election in the United Republic of Tanzania. So, things are happening…
“While the electoral campaign was relatively peaceful compared to 2021 elections, the Mission received reports that the campaign period was marred by reports of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and excessive use of force, particularly targeting opposition candidates and supporters, civil society actors and journalists. Security forces deployed tear gas, water cannons, and, in some instances, live ammunition to disperse opposition rallies resulting in injuries and fatalities. Whilst several candidates were able to campaign with relatively fewer obstructions, the main opposition candidate informed the Mission that their campaign venues, pre-booked accommodation were blocked and were denied access to both public and private media. The Mission further received concerns regarding vote buying and candidate bribery in the form of cash, goods or other material benefits” (The African Union – Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development – Election Observation Mission – Preliminary Statement to the Republic of Uganda 15 January 2026 General Elections, 17.01.2026).
It’s really telling when the EOM must write this paragraph. They are stating the obvious and it shows what sort of environment this election was held. This is showing the true dire situation and what the state is willing to do. They are showing the viciousness and the usage of violence to get their way. That’s what the EOM is telling, and they are not even trying to conceal it either. It is refreshing of AU, and other multi-national organizations are saying this, but they are not stating how far and how wide the scope of the army or law enforcement was during these elections. Which would have made a much worse language and show the true nature of authorities and what they are willing to do to get their way.
“Despite previous assurances by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) of continued internet availability throughout the electoral period, the Mission noted with concern that two days before the election the UCC shut down the internet. The action affected citizens right to access information, infringed freedom of expression and even affected the effectiveness of the AU-COMESA-IGAD EOM. The Mission understands the critical role of internet in facilitating media houses to obtain and disseminate information” (The African Union – Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development – Election Observation Mission – Preliminary Statement to the Republic of Uganda 15 January 2026 General Elections, 17.01.2026).
This paragraph just had to happen, but everyone who follows the Republic knew they would do it. Not like the President, the State House or anyone in power would allow the virality of the rigging or the misuse of force against civilians in the days of the polls or counting for that matter. Neither would the state want the people and the international community to see the open pre-ticking of ballot, forcing people to vote for the President and whatever tricks it used to “win”. We all know it and that’s why they made an internet blackout in the days ahead of polls and after during the announcements of results. Therefore, this deliberate action was done with intent and with impunity. Because the regime cannot handle the truth or be called out for their misdeeds.
“The Mission was informed about the recruitment of additional police constables and the collaboration with other security agencies for the 2026 General Elections. Stakeholders expressed concerns over the ultra-vires order issued by the Chief of the Defence Forces, later endorsed by the EC Chairperson and the Inspector General of Police for voters to immediately leave the polling station after voting, contrary to the provision of the law that allows voters to remain beyond the 20-metre radius of the polling table after voting. The Mission observed that the order raises voters and stakeholders’ suspicion on the transparency of the voting, closing and counting of results at polling stations. Reports of intimidation, arrests and abductions of opposition leaders, candidates, supporters, media and civil society actors by the security forces instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process” (The African Union – Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development – Election Observation Mission – Preliminary Statement to the Republic of Uganda 15 January 2026 General Elections, 17.01.2026).
For a republic where the Army has taken part in everything from pageants to illegal fishing. They just had to partake and involve themselves in the General Elections. That was meant to be and this because the regime only trusts the guns. The army and law enforcement is the last reason for the longevity of the regime. It isn’t because the President or the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is popular. They need the bullets, the fear and intimidations of the public. The usage of soldiers and police officers wasn’t there to secure the people but save the ones who has gains to protect. The rest can just suffer and be punished for daring to challenge that little elite looting and pillaging the Republic for their own benefit. That’s what they have and we all know it.
This AU-COMESA-IGAD Preliminary Report states the obvious and isn’t trying to forge a narrative. They aren’t there just to vouch for the election and say it was free and fair. I have been enough previous reports saying there was some mistakes, but they tried to hold elections. However, this one isn’t just saying that, but the ones in power won’t reflect much on this. As this address the misgivings and the impunity of the state to “win”. Peace.
MinBane 