Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
KAMPALA, UGANDA — As vote counting continues following Thursday’s general elections, opposition candidates are reported to be leading in multiple key constituencies across Uganda, even as the electoral process was marred by a nationwide Internet shutdown and widespread failure of Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs).
Preliminary results collated from independent observers, candidate agents, and local media suggest a strong showing for opposition contenders in parliamentary and local races, particularly in urban centers and traditional opposition strongholds. This surge comes despite reports of delays, confusion, and alleged interference at numerous polling stations where the biometric verification system—funded with over UGX 150 billion of taxpayer money—failed to function, allegedly due to an intentional Internet blackout.
The Uganda Communications Commission ordered telecom companies to suspend Internet services on election day, a move the government said was necessary for “national security.” However, critics argue the shutdown crippled the BVVK system, which relies on online connectivity to verify voters, leading to long queues, manual verification processes, and allegations of irregularities.
“The failure of these machines is not just a technical glitch—it’s a Shs150 billion scandal,” read an editorial in the Daily Monitor, which highlighted the near-total collapse of the biometric system. “Taxpayer money has literally been thrown into a sinkhole.”
In several hotly contested races, including in Kampala, Wakiso, and parts of Western Uganda, opposition candidates maintained visible leads as of Friday evening. The National Unity Platform (NUP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) both reported strong performances, though official results from the Electoral Commission remain pending.
“The people have spoken clearly, despite the obstacles placed before them,” said a spokesperson for the NUP. “The regime tried to silence the vote through shutdowns and breakdowns, but the will of Ugandans cannot be switched off.”
The Electoral Commission has acknowledged “technical challenges” but maintains that the election was conducted fairly and that manual registers were used as a backup. EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama is expected to announce the final presidential result on Saturday, as mandated by law.
International observers have expressed concern over the Internet shutdown and the biometric system failure, noting that such issues can undermine transparency and public confidence in the outcome.
As Uganda awaits the official declaration, the atmosphere remains tense. Opposition supporters have taken to the streets in cautious celebration in some areas, while security forces remain on high alert across the country.
Whether the opposition’s apparent lead will be reflected in the final results—and whether the technical and logistical failures of election day will be addressed—remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the 2026 polls have exposed deep systemic flaws in Uganda’s electoral machinery, even as they revealed a population increasingly determined to make its voice heard.
Reporting from Kampala and multiple field locations.#Uganda2026 #ElectionResults
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