On January 15th, 2026, Ugandans went to the polls under circumstances defined less by freedom than by fear. Despite intimidation, heavy security presence, and widespread uncertainty, millions still turned up to vote, demonstrating remarkable resolve and belief in democratic participation. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) acknowledged this courage, extending sincere appreciation to all citizens who exercised their constitutional right in the face of adversity.
The party particularly thanked those who supported its presidential flagbearer, Rt. Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, alongside FDC parliamentary and local government candidates across the country. According to the party, this support represents an enduring commitment to democratic values, even as those values come under sustained attack.
Soon after voting concluded, Uganda witnessed a surge in post-election violence. Opposition supporters were killed, arrested, or abducted, while security forces flooded opposition strongholds. Tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition were used to disperse protests, deepening fears that the electoral process had merely served as a trigger for repression rather than a peaceful transfer of power.
Results announced by the Electoral Commission declared President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni winner with 71.65% of the vote, followed by National Unity Platform candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu at 24.72%, while Nathan Nandala Mafabi was allocated 1.88%. FDC rejected these figures, describing the election as a carefully choreographed exercise intended to legitimize President Museveni’s continued rule and secure his seventh term, rather than reflect the genuine choices of Ugandan voters.
Voter turnout was officially recorded at 52.5%, leaving over ten million registered voters absent from the polls. FDC attributed this low participation to deep-seated voter apathy, driven by years of electoral manipulation and loss of confidence in democratic institutions. The party also criticized the Electoral Commission for failing to adequately conduct civic education, which further undermined meaningful participation.
According to FDC, the entire electoral cycle—from campaigns to tallying—was riddled with serious irregularities. Campaign activities were frequently disrupted by security agencies, including the army and police. The FDC presidential candidate was attacked in several districts, blocked from holding rallies, and subjected to gunfire and tear gas in multiple locations, effectively denying him equal opportunity to campaign.
On election day, the situation deteriorated further. FDC reported widespread ballot stuffing allegedly carried out by security agencies working in collaboration with electoral officials. Youth zonal skilling hubs were reportedly converted into illegal ballot pre-ticking centers, heavily guarded and closed to opposition agents, particularly in opposition-leaning urban areas. In some cases, unlisted polling stations were introduced without notice on voting day.
The shutdown of the internet on January 13th significantly hampered communication and transparency. Mobile money services were also suspended, preventing payments to polling agents and disrupting election operations. Meanwhile, biometric voter verification machines—procured at enormous public expense—failed across most polling stations. Voting began hours late, yet closed at the official time, disenfranchising thousands who left after prolonged delays.
FDC further alleged that results were altered at district and national tally centers, with candidates who had won at polling stations being overturned by returning officers. Large-scale voter bribery, often conducted openly, distorted the process, while military operations dominated voting in several regions. In these areas, security forces reportedly enforced curfews during vote counting, preventing citizens from monitoring results.
These concerns were echoed by international observers. The African Union observer mission questioned the credibility of the elections, citing militarization, arrests of activists, restrictions on media access, and the internet shutdown. The mission also raised concerns about weak campaign finance regulations and inconsistent enforcement of electoral laws.
In response, FDC formally rejected the presidential election results and demanded the resignation and reconstitution of the Electoral Commission. The party pledged to support court petitions challenging parliamentary and local government results, called for the release of all political prisoners, and urged government to implement long-standing Supreme Court recommendations on electoral reforms.
Despite the setbacks, FDC reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding the party ahead of its 2028 National Delegates Conference and working with other pro-democracy forces. Standing with Ugandans, the party declared that the struggle for justice, accountability, and a truly democratic Uganda would continue.