Ugandans voted on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in a highly tense general election conducted under a nationwide internet shutdown that began two days before polling day.

The election, which is being held across the country, comes amid heavy security deployment, restricted communication, and growing concern from opposition leaders and civil society groups about the credibility of the process.

The internet blackout has made it difficult for voters, observers, and political parties to share real-time updates from polling stations. Despite the shutdown, reports of disruptions and arrests have continued to emerge through indirect channels.

Opposition leader Bobi Wine addressed the situation in a statement shared on X on Thursday, January 15, 2026, warning that the voting process was being undermined and urging both Ugandans and the international community to pay attention.

In his remarks, Bobi Wine said the events of election day should not go unnoticed beyond Uganda’s borders.

“The world needs to know what is happening in Uganda on election day. Internet switched off,” he wrote.

He then raised alarm over what he described as widespread manipulation of the vote and serious failures in the electoral process across the country.

“Massive ballot stuffing reported everywhere,” he wrote.

The opposition leader went on to claim that key figures within his political movement had been targeted as voting continued.

“Our leaders, including the Deputy President for the Western Region, was arrested,” he wrote.

Bobi Wine also alleged that individuals tasked with safeguarding the vote on behalf of the opposition were being intimidated or forcibly removed from polling stations.

“Many of our polling agents and supervisors were abducted, and others were chased off polling stations,” he wrote.

He further questioned the integrity of the voting process by pointing to the failure of voter verification technology meant to prevent fraud.

“BVVK machines have failed everywhere,” he wrote.

As voting continued under tight security, Bobi Wine issued a direct appeal to Ugandans, calling on them not to accept what he described as an illegitimate process.

“The people of Uganda must rise to the occasion and reject the criminal regime,” he wrote.

He concluded by appealing to the international community, urging it not to recognise the election results if the concerns he raised are not addressed.

“The world must never give any legitimacy to the regime of blood and shame,” he wrote.

Government officials have previously insisted that the election is being conducted in line with the law and that security measures are necessary to maintain order.