Tension surrounding Uganda’s 2026 general election has intensified after Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama revealed that he has received death threats allegedly aimed at forcing a predetermined election outcome.
According to emerging reports, the threats are intended to pressure the commission into declaring the incumbent president the winner, regardless of results recorded across the country’s more than 50,000 polling stations.
The claims have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of those entrusted with overseeing it.
Analysts warn that targeting the head of the Electoral Commission strikes at the core of Uganda’s democratic institutions. If true, such intimidation risks undermining public confidence in the credibility of the vote and the rule of law.
The revelations come against the backdrop of controversial remarks by individuals aligned with the ruling establishment, who have openly suggested that opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, would never be allowed to assume power—even if he were to secure a clear electoral victory. These statements have fueled fears that the ballot could be overridden by force or political influence.
Observers note that the Electoral Commission now finds itself under extreme pressure, where adherence to constitutional duty may come at a personal cost.
The situation has been further complicated by a nationwide internet shutdown, imposed roughly two days before polling, which has limited independent verification of results and restricted the flow of information.
Critics argue that the communications blackout creates conditions where electoral manipulation could occur without immediate scrutiny, weakening the ability of opposition agents, journalists, and civil society groups to monitor tallying in real time.
Despite the growing anxiety, Justice Byabakama has publicly downplayed the threats, describing them as unnecessary intimidation and insisting that the commission will announce results based strictly on verified counts within the legally mandated timeframe.
However, heightened security deployments around tallying centres and opposition leaders’ homes have added to fears that the final announcement may unfold under heavy military presence.
For many Ugandans—particularly young voters who turned out hoping for political change—there is concern that their votes may not translate into leadership change if the process is compromised.
As the country awaits official results, Uganda stands at a critical crossroads. The outcome of this election may not only determine its next leader but also define whether constitutional governance or coercion will shape the nation’s political future.
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Politics