Publication Date: Friday, 16 January 2026
By Samuel Magezi, Staff Reporter
Kampala, Uganda
Uganda’s opposition has formally challenged provisional election results announced by the national electoral authority, raising concerns over transparency and verifiability in the tallying process. On Thursday, opposition leaders questioned the source of results being released by the Electoral Commission of Uganda, arguing that figures were announced without clear attribution to polling stations. The dispute emerged as vote counting continued following the country’s general elections, intensifying scrutiny of the electoral process.
Opposition Raises Questions Over Result Sources
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine, issued a public statement disputing the credibility of provisional results announced by the Electoral Commission. According to Kyagulanyi, officials at the national tally centre were unable to explain where the announced figures originated.
Kyagulanyi asserted that opposition agents deployed at the tally centre repeatedly sought clarification from the commission regarding the source of the results but received no substantive response. He described the situation as a breakdown in transparency at a critical stage of the electoral process.
“Our agents at the tally centre are asking for the source of these results, and no clear answer has been provided,” Kyagulanyi said.
The statement reflects broader concerns among opposition parties that the process of aggregating and announcing results has not been sufficiently transparent to allow independent verification.
Criticism From Party Leadership
Concerns were further reinforced by the party’s treasurer, Benjamin Katana, who criticised the Electoral Commission for announcing results without specifying the polling stations from which they were derived. Katana argued that the absence of polling-station-level data undermines confidence in the integrity of the results.
“Announcing figures without identifying their polling stations creates uncertainty and raises legitimate questions,” Katana stated.
Election procedures in Uganda require that results be compiled from individual polling stations before being transmitted to district and national tally centres. Opposition officials argue that bypassing or obscuring this process weakens public trust and limits independent scrutiny.
Electoral Commission Position
The Electoral Commission, chaired by Simon Byabakama, has not publicly addressed the specific allegations regarding undocumented results at the time of publication. In previous electoral cycles, the commission has maintained that results are released progressively as they are received, verified, and aggregated from across the country.
Election officials have historically emphasised that delays or inconsistencies may occur due to logistical challenges, including the transmission of results from remote polling stations. However, opposition parties argue that such explanations must be accompanied by detailed disclosures to maintain credibility.
“Transparency in result declaration is not optional; it is fundamental to electoral credibility,” an opposition official said during a briefing in Kampala.
Context and Background
Uganda has experienced repeated disputes over election results in recent decades, with opposition parties frequently contesting the transparency and independence of the electoral process. Previous elections have been marked by legal challenges, public protests, and calls for reform of electoral institutions.
Civil society organisations and international observers have consistently highlighted the importance of clear result transmission systems, including the publication of polling-station-level data, as a safeguard against disputes. Such measures allow parties, observers, and the public to independently verify announced results against original tallies.
The current dispute arises in a politically charged environment, with heightened public interest in the credibility of institutions responsible for managing elections. Analysts note that transparency at this stage is particularly critical to preventing misinformation and maintaining public confidence.
Why the Story Matters
The integrity of election results has direct implications for political stability and democratic governance. When results are announced without clear documentation, it creates space for mistrust, legal disputes, and potential unrest. For voters, confidence in the process is as important as the outcome itself.
Election transparency also affects Uganda’s international standing. Credible electoral processes are often viewed as indicators of democratic health, influencing diplomatic relations and investor confidence. As such, disputes over result declaration resonate beyond partisan politics.
Public Interest and Impact
For the Ugandan public, the controversy underscores the importance of accountability in institutions entrusted with managing elections. Clear communication from the Electoral Commission regarding how results are compiled and verified could help reduce tensions and provide clarity.
Political analysts caution that prolonged uncertainty over results may deepen divisions and strain public trust. Conversely, transparent disclosure of polling-station-level data could serve as a confidence-building measure, regardless of the final outcome.
“Elections are not only about winning or losing; they are about trust in the system,” a governance analyst observed.
As vote counting continues, opposition leaders are calling for detailed explanations and documentation to accompany any announced results. The Electoral Commission faces mounting pressure to demonstrate transparency and adherence to established procedures. The manner in which these concerns are addressed may play a significant role in shaping public perception of the electoral process and its legitimacy in the days ahead.
