Results announced shortly before 11:00 pm indicate that President Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, had secured 14,232 votes, representing 61.7 percent, while Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP) followed with 7,753 votes, or 33.64 percent.
Other presidential candidates were far behind in the early tally. Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC) had 560 votes, Mugisha Muntu (ANT) 164, Mubarak Munyagwa (CMP) 145, Joseph Mabirizi (CP) 45, Robert Kasibante (NPP) 66, and Frank Bulira Kabinga (RPP) 84 votes.
According to EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, a total of 23,049 valid votes and 796 invalid votes had been recorded at the time of the update. An additional 37 ballots were classified as spoilt.
Justice Byabakama said the next official update would be issued at 9:00 am on Friday, as more results are transmitted to the national tally centre located in Lubowa, Wakiso District. Final presidential results are expected by Saturday before 5:00 pm, in line with Ugandan law.
The vote counting process began after polls closed at 5:00 pm on Thursday. While the EC described polling day as largely peaceful, the election was affected by serious technical challenges, particularly the widespread failure of biometric voter verification machines.
Due to the malfunctioning devices, the EC directed polling stations across the country to revert to manual voting using the national voters’ register.
This decision followed delays of several hours in some areas, especially in Kampala and other opposition-leaning regions.
Justice Byabakama defended the move, saying the failures did not deny citizens their constitutional right to vote. He noted that the commission acted to prevent voter disenfranchisement and extended voting hours by one hour nationwide to allow affected voters to return.
The election took place under heavy security deployment and a nationwide internet blackout, which the government said was intended to prevent misinformation and unrest.
Justice Byabakama defended the move, saying the failures did not deny citizens their constitutional right to vote. He noted that the commission acted to prevent voter disenfranchisement and extended voting hours by one hour nationwide to allow affected voters to return.
The election took place under heavy security deployment and a nationwide internet blackout, which the government said was intended to prevent misinformation and unrest.
However, opposition leaders and rights groups criticised the shutdown, arguing that it undermined transparency and limited civic participation.
President Museveni, 81, voted in his home area of Rwakitura in western Uganda. After casting his ballot, he suggested that some Electoral Commission officials may have delayed uploading biometric data required for the machines to function properly, adding that investigations would be carried out.
Bobi Wine voted in Magere, Wakiso District, alongside his wife. He criticised the biometric failures, accusing authorities of using technology problems to manipulate the electoral process. He also called on supporters to protect their votes and remain peaceful.
Other candidates also raised concerns. Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party said the technical failures could form grounds for an election petition, arguing that the disruptions might affect whether any candidate achieves the required 50 percent plus one vote needed to win outright.
More than 21 million Ugandans were eligible to vote in the high-stakes election, which featured eight presidential candidates. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is seeking to extend his leadership to nearly four decades.
Opposition heavyweight Dr. Kizza Besigye did not participate in the race, following his detention for over a year on treason charges.
President Museveni, 81, voted in his home area of Rwakitura in western Uganda. After casting his ballot, he suggested that some Electoral Commission officials may have delayed uploading biometric data required for the machines to function properly, adding that investigations would be carried out.
Bobi Wine voted in Magere, Wakiso District, alongside his wife. He criticised the biometric failures, accusing authorities of using technology problems to manipulate the electoral process. He also called on supporters to protect their votes and remain peaceful.
Other candidates also raised concerns. Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party said the technical failures could form grounds for an election petition, arguing that the disruptions might affect whether any candidate achieves the required 50 percent plus one vote needed to win outright.
More than 21 million Ugandans were eligible to vote in the high-stakes election, which featured eight presidential candidates. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is seeking to extend his leadership to nearly four decades.
Opposition heavyweight Dr. Kizza Besigye did not participate in the race, following his detention for over a year on treason charges.
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