Category: Daily Monitor

At least six journalists covering yesterday’s district chairperson and direct councillor elections in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District, were briefly detained by joint security forces at Banga-Nakiwogo Polling Station, sparking fresh concerns over media freedom during electoral processes.

The journalists were rounded up by plain-clothed soldiers attached to the Special Forces Command (SFC) Banga-Nakiwogo barracks, alongside personnel from the Police Field Unit and newly-deployed Electoral Commission police constables.

According to accounts from the journalists, the media teams had agreed to move together for safety, citing past incidents in which reporters were attacked by both security personnel and hostile voters during elections in the municipality. Earlier in the day, the journalists had freely carried out their duties at several polling stations with heavy military and police deployment, including Katabi-Busambaga, without interference. Trouble began in the afternoon shortly after the journalists arrived at Banga-Nakiwogo Polling Station, where they had been covering proceedings for about 40 minutes.

Plain-clothed soldiers and uniformed police officers reportedly moved in and apprehended NTV journalist Ivan Kamana Walunyolo while he was conducting live coverage. During the scuffle, security personnel allegedly grabbed a phone and live broadcast equipment from the NTV camera operator, forcing the live bulletin off air. The journalists regrouped and followed their colleague as security officers confiscated the equipment and escorted the detained journalists away from the polling station.

Speaking to this publication, Mr Walunyolo said he was reporting on low voter turnout in Nakiwogo and complaints raised by Opposition leaders when security officers intervened.

‘The Opposition leaders were complaining that all their polling agents had been chased out of the polling station by the military and were standing outside the fence. They also alleged that soldiers were being ferried in to vote twice. That is when we were rounded up by SFC and police officers,’ Mr Walunyolo said.

He added that security personnel first confronted his camera operator.

‘They went to my cameraman and squeezed him in the ribs as they ordered him to get off air. When I approached them to ask what we had done wrong, they took both of us to their commander, who asked why we were siding with the Opposition,’ Mr Walunyolo said. According to the journalists, the soldiers told them they were required to seek permission from the Entebbe District Police Commander (DPC) before filming or broadcasting from the polling station because of its proximity to the Banga-Nakiwogo SFC barracks.

The journalists were subsequently removed from the polling station and taken to Entebbe Central Police Station, allegedly on the orders of the Entebbe DPC.

Upon arrival at the police station, senior police officers and the SFC commander reportedly made several phone calls to unidentified individuals before the journalists were released without any charge. By press time, neither the police nor the military had issued an official statement explaining the detention of the journalists.

The incident adds to a growing list of complaints by media practitioners over harassment and interference while covering electoral activities across the country.

Mubende Chief Magistrate Noorbert Ssajabi has dismissed, with costs, an application by Isaac Kamulegeya, the NRM flag bearer, seeking a vote recount in the Kassanda North Constituency parliamentary election.

Kamulegeya had contested the election, which saw Patrick Nsamba Oshabe of NUP declared winner with 12,274 votes, while Kamulegeya came second with 12,158 votes, a margin of 116 votes.

The court ruled that Kamulegeya failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify a recount, describing the petition as a “fishing expedition”.

Chief Magistrate Ssajabi emphasised that a recount is a limited statutory exercise intended to address numerical discrepancies, not allegations of non-compliance or electoral malpractices.

Kamulegeya had alleged that his agents were denied access to declaration of results forms from four parishes, and that the votes from those areas would have altered the final outcome in his opponent’s favour.

However, the court found that Kamulegeya failed to provide concrete numerical data to support his claims.

‘In the application before me, no numerical discrepancies were demonstrated. The grounds raised relate to factual irregularities and non-compliance, matters that can only be resolved through an election petition,’ the magistrate noted.

The Electoral Commission opposed the application, stating that Kamulegeya had unequivocally lost the election and that the results were announced openly at the tally centre.

The dismissal of the petition effectively upholds Patrick Nsamba Oshabe as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Kassanda North Constituency.

Kamulegeya says he’s contented with the magistrate’s ruling and doesn’t intend to pursue an election petition unless advised otherwise by his legal team.

Two parliamentary candidates from Kisoro District on Thursday filed applications at the Kisoro Chief Magistrate’s Court seeking a recount of votes cast in the January 15, 2026, General Election, citing alleged irregularities in the counting and tallying process.

The applicants are Sam K. Bitangaro, an independent candidate for Bufumbira South, and John Nizeyimana Kamara, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Bufumbira North.

The two candidates, represented separately by Nabasa Rodgers of Arekaho Partners and Co. Advocates and A. Marvin and Co. Advocates, filed formal applications under Section 74 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which empowers the Chief Magistrate to order a recount where a candidate raises reasonable doubt about declared results.

Addressing journalists after filing the applications, lawyer Rodgers Nabasa said the candidates were seeking a recount to ensure accuracy and fairness, citing discrepancies identified during an analysis of Declaration of Results (DR) forms.

‘Having analysed the DR forms, we realised that the counting was not properly done and we can only be satisfied if these votes are recounted,’ Nabasa said.

He added that Section 74 gives the Chief Magistrate discretion to grant or deny a recount based on the evidence presented.

‘Under Section 74 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, where a candidate is in doubt, they can apply formally to the Chief Magistrate of the jurisdiction, who will then hear the application and determine whether the recount should be done or not, depending on the evidence adduced,’ he said.

Nabasa said his clients had submitted sufficient grounds, including alleged ballot stuffing, and expressed optimism that the court would grant the recount.

Strict timelines under the law

He noted that the law requires any candidate seeking a recount to file an application within seven days of the official declaration of results, after which the Chief Magistrate must determine the application within four days.

According to results declared by Kisoro District Returning Officer Daniel Nayebare, the outcomes were as follows:

In Bufumbira South, NRM candidate Eng Alex Niyonsaba Seruganda won with 23,897 votes, defeating Sam K. Bitangaro, who polled 22,913 votes, and ANT’s Adam Munyambabazi, who received 87 votes.

In Bufumbira North, NRM’s Fortunate Habyara Gatare narrowly defeated incumbent John Nizeyimana Kamara, securing 8,374 votes against Kamara’s 8,289 votes, while DP’s Daniel Ngirabakunzi polled 63 votes.

The razor-thin margin of 85 votes in Bufumbira North, combined with the relatively narrow gap in Bufumbira South, has intensified demands for a recount amid claims of improper vote tallying.

Court ruling awaited

The Kisoro Chief Magistrate’s Court will on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., hear two separate applications from parliamentary candidates seeking court-ordered recounts in the recently concluded general elections. Both cite alleged irregularities in the counting and tallying of votes.

The applications come amid heightened national scrutiny of the 2026 elections, which have seen multiple legal challenges over alleged electoral irregularities, including ballot stuffing, delayed tallying and biometric voter verification failures.

Independent candidates Rev. Kintu Willy Muhanga of Fort Portal City and Edward Isingoma of Hoima City have ended decades of National Resistance Movement (NRM) dominance in the two cities, while Uthuman Mugisa reclaimed the Hoima District LC5 chairpersonship after losing the party primaries last year.

The results, announced late Thursday night and early Friday morning, mean Fort Portal and Hoima cities will now be under independent leadership for the next five years, up to 2031.

In Fort Portal, Rev. Muhanga defeated NRM flag bearer Albert Ahebwa, the outgoing City Speaker, by a narrow margin of 402 votes. City Returning Officer Isaac Byamugisha declared Muhanga the winner with 11,801 votes against Ahebwa’s 11,399. The only female candidate, Sylvia Kihunde, finished third with 224 votes.

Rev. Muhanga, a familiar figure in Fort Portal politics, previously served as Mayor of Fort Portal Municipality and was elected in 2016 as an independent, defeating long-serving mayor Edison Asaba Ruyonga, an NRM candidate. He lost the 2021 mayoral race to Ruyonga, who did not contest this year despite earlier indications of seeking election as MP for Fort Portal Central Division.

Speaking after his declaration, Muhanga said his victory reflected the will of the people. ‘This victory is not personal; it is a win for the people of Fort Portal. During my absence, many developments stagnated due to lack of follow-up. I will start from where I stopped,’ he said. He pledged to improve infrastructure, beautify the city, and restore Fort Portal’s status as one of Uganda’s cleanest cities.

Over the past five years, Muhanga remained active as a development activist in the Tooro sub-region. In March 2023, he and five others were arrested while holding prayers over unfulfilled President Museveni pledges, an action many residents say boosted his popularity. The case was later dismissed.

The Tooro sub-region National Unity Platform (NUP) coordinator, Davis Rwamuhumbu, said the party did not field a candidate and instead rallied behind Muhanga.

‘His values reflect the views of the people of Fort Portal. We believe he understands the real issues affecting the city,’ Rwamuhumbu said.

Hoima City

In Hoima City, Edward Isingoma, an independent candidate and City Council Speaker, defeated incumbent Mayor and NRM flag bearer Brian Kaboyo. Hoima City Returning Officer Orbra Atamba declared Isingoma the winner with 11,709 votes (53.75%) against Kaboyo’s 9,252 votes (42.47%). Other candidates included Mustafa Kahuma (Independent) with 392 votes, Dan Kaija (Independent) with 76 votes, Rashid Tumusiime (NUP) with 238 votes, and Wycliffe Tumusiime (PFF) with 117 votes.

Isingoma, who represents the elderly as a male councillor on Hoima City Council, pledged to prioritise cleanliness, road infrastructure, and income-generating opportunities for youth, women, and the elderly. He highlighted the importance of improved waste management as Hoima prepares to host international visitors for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). ‘I also call for reconciliation and forgiveness among leaders of Hoima City, especially with the outgoing Mayor Brian Kaboyo,’ he said.

Hoima District LC5 Chairperson

Meanwhile, in Hoima District, Uthuman Mugisa, the incumbent district chairperson, regained the LC5 chairperson seat with 25,347 votes, defeating NRM flag bearer Vincent Muhumuza Savana, who received 19,541 votes. Mugisa had lost in the party primaries last year, making this a significant political comeback.

Before the January 15 elections, several stakeholders took to various public media forums to encourage Ugandans to participate in the elections by making use of their civic right.

Messages about how citizens should make their votes count were broadcast, how those who don’t vote have no right to complain about social services and governance in the country, etc. A lot of meaningful messages were relayed, especially targeting young voters, and this last-minute attempt at civic education seemed to fall on fertile ground.

Unfortunately, from the numbers on voter turnout, it is quite clear that many voters stayed away or went to polling stations but left without casting their votes. According to the Electoral Commission, only 11,366,201 voters (52.50 per cent of registered voters), participated in the elections. This is the lowest turnout since the introduction of multi-party elections under the 1995 Constitution. While messages encouraging Ugandans to vote were key, they alone cannot cure low voter turnout. Everything else and all stakeholders need to be in tandem. The environment must be seen to be conducive for voters to get out of their homes and vote.

Aside from the delay in the arrival of voting materials and the malfunctioning Biometric Voter Verification Kits that disrupted voting, directives for voters to leave polling stations immediately after voting affected the turnout. Election observers from the African Union, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, pointed out that statements by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba directing voters to leave polling stations immediately after voting contradicted electoral laws and had a chilling effect on voter participation.

Therefore, while civic education is great, the effort that it is meant to achieve can quickly be undermined. Security forces play a key role in ensuring the elections go smoothly but care must be taken to ensure that the effort that civic education is meant to achieve is not undermined. Away from the less than conducive environment on the January 15 elections, delays, and low voter turnout also marred the Special Interest Groups elections covering youth, women, older persons and persons with disabilities.

For instance, the Entebbe Municipal Council elections for youth representatives were delayed for more than three hours despite EC officials arriving on time and setting up the polling area early in the morning. Confusion among Electoral College members over procedures was a challenge. This brings us right back to adequate civic education. May the mishaps and shortfalls of this year’s elections not be wasted but turned into lessons to be to enable us do better in future.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has reaffirmed its political dominance in the Tooro, Rwenzori, and Bunyoro sub-regions following the mayoral and district chairperson elections held on Thursday.

The ruling party swept nearly all district leadership positions, winning 14 of the 17 Local Council Five (LC5) chairperson seats.

In the city mayoral races, independent candidates Rev. Kintu Willy Muhanga and Isingoma Edward emerged victorious in Fort Portal and Hoima cities, respectively. Muhanga polled 11,801 votes, narrowly defeating NRM’s Albert Ahebwa, while Edward won with 11,709 votes (53.75 per cent), defeating incumbent NRM mayor Brian Kaboyo.

Despite losing the city mayoral seats, NRM recorded victories at the district level, with most of its winners being incumbents who retained their seats.

The three districts won by independents, Kikuube, Hoima, and Masindi, were all taken by candidates who had previously lost NRM primaries and remain politically aligned with the ruling party.

“Kintu Willy Muhanga’s victory in Fort Portal City was narrow, but Isingoma Edward’s win in Hoima City was decisive,” said a local analyst.

In Hoima District, Uthuman Mugisa, an independent candidate, polled 25,347 votes, defeating NRM flag bearer Vincent Muhumuza Savana, who came second with 19,541 votes.

Uthuman’s victory marked the second time he has defeated Savana in a general contest.

NRM also registered key wins by new entrants, including in Kabarole District, where Kimome Ruben defeated independent challenger Wilfred Mugabe. Kimome polled 28,371 votes, while Mugabe garnered 14,955 votes.

In Bunyangabu District, NRM candidate Peter Musinguzi defeated incumbent chairperson James Ategeka, who contested as an independent. Musinguzi polled 26,077 votes, defeating Ategeka, who garnered 12,081 votes.

The elections also produced historic back-to-back victories in districts traditionally known for leadership turnover. Eliphaz Bukombi Muhindi retained the Kasese District chairperson seat, while Joseph Karungi secured a second term in Kamwenge District.

“NRM’s victory in these districts is a testament to the party’s strong grassroots presence and its ability to attract talented candidates,” said a local politician.

In Kitagwenda District, NRM’s Efrance Kenyonyozi was declared unopposed, further strengthening the party’s hold on district leadership across the sub-regions.

List of winners

Name

District

Political party

Rev Kintu Willy Muhanga

Fort Portal City

Independent

Mr Peter Musinguzi

Bunyangabu district

NRM

Mr Joseph Karungi

Kamwenge

NRM

Ms Efrance Kenyonyozi

Kitagwenda

NRM

Mr Gilbert Rubaihayo

Kyenjojo

NRM

Mr Kimome Ruben

Kabarole

NRM

Mr Etyen Muhumuza

Ntoroko

NRM

Mr Uthuman Mugisa

Hoima

Independent

Mr Edward Isingoma

Hoima city

Independent

Mr. Eliphaz Bukombi Muhindi

Kasese

NRM

Patrick Wobusobozi

Masindi

Independent

Mr Sentayi Joseph

Kakumiro

NRM

Mr Muhonge Godfrey

Kibaale

NRM

Mr Ndibwami B Yosia

Kagadi

NRM

Mr Noman Birungi

Kyegegwa

NRM

Mr Osaga Nelson

Kiryandongo

NRM

Mr Robert Tibakunirwa

Bundibugyo

NRM

Wandera Atuhaire

Buliisa

Independent

Peter Banura

Kikuube

NRM

Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been charged with terrorism days after seven of his supporters were shot dead by security operatives in Butambala District.

Kivumbi, 52, a resident of Buwate Village in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, was on Friday afternoon arraigned before the Butambala Chief Magistrate Deogratious Ssejjemba following his arrest on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

The prosecution led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Rachael Bikhole alleges that between January 11 and January 17, 2026, Kivumbi, together with others still at large, coordinated and carried out a series of violent attacks in Kibibi Town Council and Gombe Town Council in Butambala District.

According to the charge sheet, the accused is alleged to have orchestrated attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre. Prosecutors say the acts were intended to influence government actions and intimidate the public for political or economic objectives.

The prosecution further states that the attacks caused extensive damage to sections of the Butambala-Gomba road and several motor vehicles, including a Toyota Land Cruiser (UBM 614Q), a Ford double cabin (UBH 333U), a Subaru (UBQ 496Z), a Toyota Raum (UAV 378H), and a Toyota Spacio (UAQ 033X).

Seven people are reported to have died as a result of the violence. The deceased were identified as Sarah Naggayi, Aisha Nabukenya, Milly Nampereza, Ruth Nakanjako, Nsamu Abdulnoor, Shafik Miiro, and Davis Basaliza.

Prosecution described the alleged acts as prejudicial to national security and public safety, noting that they were carried out indiscriminately and without regard for civilian life or property.

When produced in court, Kivumbi requested time to consult his lawyers and asked to be allowed access to his phone to contact them. However, Bikhole informed the court that the phone was still being held as an exhibit and remained subject to ongoing police investigations. The court granted a one-hour break.

The magistrate noted that terrorism is a capital offence that is only triable by the High Court, which has original jurisdiction over such grave matters. As a result, Kivumbi was not required to take a plea before the Chief Magistrate’s Court. Under Ugandan law, terrorism carries a maximum penalty of death upon conviction.

Kivumbi will continue to appear before the magistrate’s court for mention as investigations proceed, pending committal to the High Court. He has now been remanded until February 3, 2026.

Kivumbi is among three National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy presidents in detention following the tense January 15, 2026, General Election which has seen thousands of opposition supporters arrested as security operatives say the crackdown will continue. Others include Dr Lina Zedriga, NUP Deputy President for Northern Uganda, and Jolly Jackline Tukamushaba, the party’s Deputy President for Western Uganda.

Hundreds of NUP supporters have been arraigned in court on various charges this week. The state accuses some of them of shouting that “NRM rigged votes” during the January 15, 2026, polls. The party president, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, is in hiding after escaping a military and police raid at his home in Magerere on the night of January 16.

President Museveni’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who serves as the Chief of Defence Forces, in a series of posts on X, said the military had shot dead 30 NUP supporters he described as terrorists and arrested over 2,000.

“So far, we have killed 30 NUP terrorists. We have arrested over 2,000 hooligans that Kabobi thought would use,” he posted on January 22, 2026.

Jinja City Mayor Peter Okocha Kasolo has lost his seat to Abdulhafidh Nagaya, who polled 17,266 votes, according to the Electoral Commission results declared by Returning Officer Flavia Nakasi.

Nagaya (NRM) defeated Mubaraka Kirunda of National Unity Platform (NUP) who got 15,783 votes. Kasolo came fourth with 850 votes in the contest, which attracted a total of 14 candidates.

Sources attribute Kasolo’s defeat to his formal approach to governance, which voters perceived as aloof.

“When Mr Kasolo assumed office, he began chasing vendors off the streets in an effort to create order in the city. However, many locals viewed this as a witch-hunt against ordinary people, which eventually led to hatred,” a source close to Kasolo said.

Kasolo’s failure to openly criticize the government, despite being elected on the opposition NUP ticket, also hurt him. “He was seen as a betrayal to voters in the opposition stronghold, causing many of his supporters to abandon him,” the source added.

In several instances, Kasolo urged Jinja residents to embrace government projects, saying he was there to guide them on initiatives meant to improve their lives. He also defended the police and Electoral Commission, saying they acted within the law, which further alienated him from voters.

“For me, I have never been arrested since I became Mayor because I followed the law. Those faulting the police and Electoral Commission were trying to mislead them,” Kasolo said in an interview.

Political analyst Meddy Mbentyo cited the denial of the NUP party card to Kasolo as a factor in his defeat.

“If Mr. Kasolo had secured the NUP ticket, he would have remained Mayor, since Jinja City is known for supporting NUP. But the moment he was denied the card, his misfortunes began,” Mbentyo said.

Mbentyo also noted that allegations linking Kasolo to a government money deal worked against his chances of winning.

Despite his defeat, Mbentyo credited Kasolo as having been the best mayor in the history of Jinja City’s leadership.

“Kasolo did not involve himself in any land-grabbing saga in the city. I credit him for organizing Jinja, even though voters did not show appreciation for his work at the polls,” Mbentyo said.

Jinja City NRM Vice Chairman Daniel Musinguzi attributed Kasolo’s loss to limited understanding of multi-party politics among Jinja residents.

“Residents in Jinja do not embrace independent candidates, as enshrined under Uganda’s multi-party political system. In the presidential and parliamentary elections, we saw no independent candidate win. Therefore, it was always going to be difficult for Mr. Kasolo to succeed without a party flag,” Musinguzi said.

Musinguzi noted that supporters of different political parties view independent candidates as opponents, which makes them unlikely to vote for them.

He challenged the secretaries-general of all political parties to sensitize their members, urging them to discourage independent candidates from contesting against official party candidates or, if they do, to learn to work with them as long as they do not affect election outcomes.

Kasolo, who became the city’s first mayor in 2021, was elected on the NUP ticket. Jinja was elevated to city status on July 1, 2020, and is divided into Northern and Southern Divisions.

Uganda’s four-day Internet shutdown, imposed ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections, has left a deep economic scar, costing the country an estimated Shs57b and disrupting critical digital services that millions of Ugandans rely on daily. Data from the Cost of Shutdown Tool (COST), which estimates the economic impact of Internet disruptions, shows that the blackout, enforced more than 24 hours before polling day, drained nearly Shs15b from the economy each day.

The shutdown, ordered by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on the directive of security agencies, was justified as a measure to curb alleged online misinformation that authorities feared could trigger electoral violence.

However, analysts and industry players say the economic consequences were severe and largely ignored. For four days, most Ugandans experienced restricted access to mobile Internet. Social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, were inaccessible, SIM card registration and purchases were halted, and digital financial services were crippled. Mobile money transactions, a cornerstone of Uganda’s cash-lite economy, were among the hardest hit. When contacted on Monday, MoMo Uganda Managing Director Richard Yego said the company was still assessing the impact of the shutdown.

Industry data, however, shows that MTN MoMo alone handles transactions exceeding Shs430b daily, involving millions of low-value payments, most below Shs50,000. These transactions are critical for everyday commerce, especially among low-income households and informal traders. Agent banking services, which enable banks to reach unbanked and remote communities through local agents, were also disrupted. As of 2026, agent banking in Uganda transacts an estimated Shs80.5b per day, an activity that was significantly curtailed during what UCC termed a ‘temporary suspension’ of internet services. According to COST impact reports, the daily economic losses from individual platform shutdowns are substantial, with Facebook and YouTube accounting for more than Shs3.5b per day, while WhatsApp losses exceed Shs7b daily.

Digital businesses count losses

E-commerce players say the shutdown paralysed operations and livelihoods across the digital ecosystem. Mr Steven Lamony, Managing Director of Jumia Uganda and a founding member of the Alliance for Digital Trade, E-Mobility and Couriers Association of Uganda (ADEC(U)), said the effects went far beyond lost sales. ‘Jumia works with over 4,000 daily sellers, many of them low-income earners. During the shutdown, transactions stopped completely, affecting not just the company but thousands of livelihoods,’ Mr Lamony said in an interview.

He added that the company’s distribution network, nearly 100 points outside Kampala, was also brought to a standstill.

‘Our ecosystem supports riders, warehouse workers, suppliers, and logistics staff. All these people lost income during the outage,’ he said, noting that early engagement with stakeholders could have reduced the damage. Mr Lamony argued that assessing the true cost of Internet shutdowns requires looking beyond immediate revenue losses to the wider economic chain.

Public holiday argument disputed

Some security analysts interviewed for this article suggested that the economic impact may have been limited because the shutdown coincided with a public holiday period when many businesses were closed. But Mr Lamony dismissed that argument, saying online platforms typically record increased activity during holidays as customers rely more on convenience and delivery services. ‘People have more time, and demand for online services actually goes up during holidays,’ he said.

Call for a balanced approach

Industry players acknowledge the government’s responsibility to maintain national security during politically sensitive periods, but warn that blanket internet shutdowns are a blunt instrument with far-reaching consequences. According to Mr Lamony, completely switching off the internet ignores the need for nuance and balance. ‘A total shutdown blocks critical services like mobile money and banking, which are now central to the economy,’ he said. ‘A more strategic approach, targeting harmful content while keeping core economic services running, would significantly reduce economic damage.’

As Uganda’s economy becomes increasingly digital, experts warn that repeated internet shutdowns risk undermining investor confidence, slowing financial inclusion, and reversing gains made in e-commerce and digital innovation. For millions of Ugandans whose livelihoods now depend on connectivity, the cost of silence may prove too high to sustain. On Monday, two concerned lawyers sued UCC and the giant telecom companies for the Internet shutdown. The suit, filed in the High Court Civil Division, names UCC, MTN Uganda Limited, Airtel Uganda Limited, and Tangerine Limited trading as Lyca Mobile, alongside other undisclosed actors, as respondents.

The petitioners, Mr Michael Aboneka and Mr Raymond Amumpaire, contend that the shutdown, which took effect during and around polling days, violated constitutional guarantees and caused widespread economic, social, and civic disruption.

In their pleadings, the two advocates argue that the decision to restrict internet access was implemented without transparency, public justification, or adherence to the law governing limitations on fundamental rights. ‘The respondents jointly and severally participated in the interruption of internet-based communication services without lawful authority,’ the petitioners state, adding that the actions affected millions of Ugandans who rely on digital platforms for work, information, and personal communication.

The elections for city mayors, district chairpersons, municipal council mayors and councillors were marked by low voter turn up, and ballot errors that led to suspension of the voting exercise in some districts across the country yesterday. Uncertainty hung over Wakiso District yesterday as voters turned up in low numbers to elect a new district chairperson (LC5) and district councillors, raising questions about voter confidence and participation in local government elections.

The closely watched race for the LC5 seat pits National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Nasif Najja against ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag bearer Ian Kyeyune and Democratic Front (DF) contender Flavia Nakafeero. Although Wakiso is widely regarded as an NUP stronghold, the low voter turnout and the presence of an experienced former district chairperson in the race appeared to complicate predictions about the outcome. Mr Kyeyune, who previously served as Wakiso District chairperson, campaigned on a message of reconciliation and experience, arguing that the district needs inclusive leadership to address its growing population and administrative challenges.

In Butebo District, the Electoral Commission (EC) suspended the election of the chairperson and councillors following reports of malpractice, including violence and ballot stuffing. According to the letter seen by the Daily Monitor, signed by the chairperson of EC, Justice Simon Byabakama dated January 22, 2026; the postponement was due to reports of serious interruptions to the electoral process. Sources said violence erupted in several sub-counties as the supporters of opposing candidates fought using sticks and stones, leaving several injured. Elsewhere, voting for the Fort Portal City Female Councillor was cancelled in several wards across the Northern and Central divisions after some polling stations received the wrong ballot papers, while others received ballots that were mixed up in candidates’ details.

The Fort Portal City Returning Officer, MrIsaac Byamugisha, told this publication that the EC cancelled the elections in the affected areas due to the errors. He added that a new voting date would be communicated before February 4. Ms Josephine Komuhimbo, one of the affected female city councillor candidates for Fort Portal City West, expressed disappointment with the EC, saying the mistakes were avoidable since nominations were conducted more than five months ago.

However, the voting in Central and Northern divisions generally experienced delays, largely due to low voter turnout. Out of about 190 polling stations, voting in most centres started after 8am.

Affected areas included Nyabukara, and Rwengoma as well as Central South wards of Bazaar, Kasusu, and Kijanju in Central Division. Ms Josephine Komuhimbo, one of the affected city councillor candidates for Fort Portal City West, expressed disappointment with the EC, saying the errors were avoidable since nominations were conducted over five months ago. In Kagadi District and the greater Kibaale area, including Kakumiro District, candidates for the district chairperson positions expressed concern over the low voter turnout, fearing it could affect election outcomes. Although polling materials were delivered to designated polling centers on time, voting did not start early in some areas due to the absence of witnesses required to flag off the exercise.

In Masaka City, the low voter turnout was prevalent even at polling stations like Fork Land, Bata Cell that have many voters. Mr Jason Erick Ludigo, the presiding officer at Bata Cell LUC to NAKK Polling Station said only 62 voters had cast their votes by noon out of 475 registered at the polling station.

At Kirumba Health Centre II M-NAL polling station, only 31 out of 460 voters had shown up by noon. In Lyantonde District, two independent district LCV contenders – Cleophas Tukamarwa, a former journalist and James Nemeye, a businessman pulled out of the race on election day ,leaving NRM’s Moses Ali Ssemanda and NUP’s Edward Kateregga to tussle it out .

Mr Salim Asiimwe, a NUP supporter attributed the low voter turnout to voter fatigue. ‘Many people here voted for their candidates and were not announced winners .So, they feel it is now useless to take part in another round of election where they don’t expect to fairness,’ he said

Mr Imon Tusiime, the district returning officer said: ‘When the BVVK machines failed to work in some sub-countries during presidential and parliamentary election, we got a technical person who helped to fix them and all are now working at all the 144 polling stations.’ In Mpigi District, voters in Kammengo Sub-county refused to vote for the direct district councillor following a mix up of party symbols with the bus put against NUP candidate Ronald Kaggwa Kibirige’s name while Joseph Mugatte Kasule of NRM was given an umbrella.

Mr Kasule said the EC officials had apologised for the mix-up and promised to organise fresh elections in the area. In Mukono and Kalangala, several polling stations remained largely deserted throughout the day, raising serious concerns about voter mobilisation and civic education. Mr Moses Nyombi, the chairman of Wantoni Cell in Mukono Municipality, said his constituency has approximately 1,800 registered voters but no voting had taken place by 10am.

At Booma Grounds Polling Station in Kitswamba Town Council, Kasese District, voting began at after 8am after the required quorum of 10 voters to witness the opening of the exercise was not met earlier on, Mr Bonny Mbusa, the presiding Officer, told Daily Monitor that the first voter cast a ballot at 8:45am. By 10:30am, only 20 ballot papers had been issued for the three district chairperson candidates. At St Edward’s Polling Station in Masindi Municipality, which has 472 registered voters, only 52 voters had cast their ballots by midday. The Presiding Officer, Ms Najuko Sumaya, said more than 280 voters had voted by midday during the presidential elections.

At Kihonda Polling Station in Masindi District, with 450 registered voters, only 31 voters had cast their ballots by 11a.m. In Mbale City, the story wasn’t different. In Maluku Ward, industrial City Division, a densely populated suburb, no voter had turned up by 10am. The ward has five polling stations. Mr Henry Nambale, a voter at Malawa Polling Station, said the turn up was very poor due to electoral irregularities that marred last Thursday’s elections. At Bupomboli II Polling Station in Harugale Sub-county, Bundibugyo District, voting began at 7:30am. However, voter turnout was extremely low compared to previous elections. One voter, Ms Doreen Biira, said most people were more interested in the recently concluded presidential and parliamentary elections. ‘There were many irregularities in the recent polls, and this shows that voters’ rights have not been respected.’

Kasese District, which has a total of 1,033 polling stations with 426,390 registered voters, several polling stations had not yet received the minimum quorum of 10 voters required to witness the official opening of the voting exercise by 9am. In Arua, a windy summer atmosphere engulfed most polling stations in Arua City as a few voters trickled in to cast their votes in the morning for the local council elections. Ms Harriet Trimaru, the presiding officer of Arua Central Market O-Z, said: ‘We couldn’t start at 7am because voters were not there. This time, we do not know how the turn up would be because last week the turn up was low. We had 531 voters and those who turned up were 145. I do not know if we can even get 145 voters for this mayoral and councillors elections.’

In Lira City, most polling stations registered low voter’s turnout. At Barapwo Health Centre that has three polling stations, there were only 37 voters by 11:30am.

In Jinja City, the polling stations recorded low voter turnout, with several polling stations reporting no voters hours after opening. Mr Gabriel Ouma, a voter, criticised the government for not declaring a public holiday.

In Kigezi, the low voter turn up was reported in some parts of the sub-region. At Kabale Parents school polling station in Kabale Town, 26 voters out of the 434 registered voters on that polling station had cast their vote by 9:50am. The chairman for Central Division in Kabale Municipality, Mr Sam Arineitwe, said voting for all political heads in the local governments should be conducted on the same day with that of the presidential and parliamentary candidates if the issue of low turn up is to be resolved.

Incidents of chaos

Mr Nicholas Kalanzi, a mayoral candidate for Jinja City, attributed the low turnout to the ugly scenes that followed the presidential and parliamentary elections, as well as general voter disinterest in the process. ‘From our consultations, last week’s events discouraged many voters, and others simply chose not to vote,’ Mr Kalanzi, who votes near the Busoga Kingdom headquarters, said. In Kaliro District, three people, including a polling assistant, were injured when nearly 20 people attacked Bukura-Bwire Polling Station in Namugongo Sub-county yesterday.

Mr Rogers Kiduma, Kaliro Assistant Resident District Commissioner, confirmed the attack, saying assailants seized and marked ballot papers before fleeing. Security was reinforced and fresh ballots issued. Also, at least five people were arrested at different polling stations in Ntungamo District over allegations of ballot stuffing. Ntungamo District Police Commander Joshua Mwesigwa said: ‘Some are polling officials, we also have some agents of candidates and voters themselves…We have arrested the situation and I hope we shall have a very peaceful election.’ Meanwhile election officials yesterday reported cases of ballot staffing irregularities at Kibibi Polling Station in Jinja Northern Division during the mayoral elections. Jinja City Returning Officer, Ms Falvia Nakasi, confirmed the incidents, saying: ‘It is unfortunate that some individuals disrupted the polling process. Police have intervened and are conducting investigations.”