Kampala, Uganda – January 18, 2026–Uganda’s 2026 general elections have delivered one of the biggest political upheavals in recent history, after ten serving cabinet ministers lost their parliamentary seats in a stunning rejection by voters across the country. The defeats mark a dramatic shift in public sentiment, signaling mounting pressure on the ruling party to refresh its political class.

The most shocking casualty was Beatrice Anywar, the Minister of Water and Environment, who lost Kitgum Municipality to opposition candidate Dennis Onekalit Amere. Anywar, once a political heavyweight both within opposition and later government, failed to mobilize enough support to retain her seat.

Another major loss came from David Bahati, State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, who was defeated in Ndorwa West County. Bahati, long considered one of the most influential ministers from the Kigezi region, had already lost the NRM primary and ran as an independent, but still fell short.

In a headline-grabbing contest in Lira City, Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, was defeated by fellow cabinet member Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, in what became the only race nationally where two serving ministers battled for a single parliamentary slot.

Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua also lost the Ajuri County contest, despite his national stature and longtime loyalty to the ruling National Resistance Movement. Analysts say his defeat underscores frustrations in northern Uganda over service delivery and youth unemployment.

Other ministers who failed to secure a return to the 12th Parliament include:

Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education – defeated in the Moyo District Woman MP race

John Mulimba, State Minister for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs) – voted out

Okello Oryem, State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs) – lost Chua County

Frederick Ngobi Gume, State Minister for Cooperatives – defeated in Bulamogi North West, Kaliro District

Florence Nambozo Wamala, State Minister for Karamoja Affairs – lost Sironko Woman MP seat

Peter Lokeris, Minister for Karamoja Affairs – lost in Chekwii East County

A Public Demand for Change

Voting patterns across the country revealed a clear appetite for renewal, particularly in regions where incumbents had held office for more than a decade. Opposition parties and independents made significant inroads in urban constituencies, while traditional NRM strongholds fractured in several districts.

Political commentators say the wave of losses represents a broader message from the electorate — dissatisfaction with stalled economic progress, local-level governance, and unmet campaign promises.

“This election was a referendum on the performance of both Parliament and Cabinet,” one analyst noted. “Voters wanted new faces, new energy, and fresh leadership.”

Implications for Cabinet and Governance

With so many ministers removed from Parliament, President Yoweri Museveni faces mounting pressure to reorganize and possibly downsize the Cabinet. While Uganda’s constitution allows the President to appoint ministers from outside Parliament, the defeat of senior figures suggests deeper realignments may be inevitable.

NRM insiders privately acknowledge concerns that the party’s internal cohesion could weaken if defeated ministers are retained in government roles, sidelining newly elected MPs eager to participate in Cabinet.

A New-Look Parliament Ahead

As results continue to be certified by the Electoral Commission, one outcome is already clear — Uganda’s 12th Parliament will be younger, more competitive, and considerably less predictable than its predecessor. Several first-time MPs, many under the age of 35, defeated long-serving incumbents.

Whether the public’s demand for change will translate into policy shifts remains an open question, but the electorate has already reshaped Uganda’s political landscape with a clear and unmistakable message: no seat is safe, not even for ministers.

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Kampala, Uganda – January 13, 2026-The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced a nationwide suspension of public internet access and selected mobile services starting at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, as the country heads into a tense election period.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kampala, UCC Executive Director Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo (represented at the announcement by a senior commissioner pictured in the circulated notice) said the directive is aimed at maintaining national security and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
According to the statement, the shutdown affects social media platforms, mobile data usage, and several digital communication services deemed likely to disrupt public order. Voice calls and basic SMS services are expected to remain operational, allowing limited communication among citizens.
UCC argued that the temporary blackout is necessary to curb misinformation, incitement and online mobilisation that could interfere with polling activities and post-election safety.
“This temporary suspension is a precautionary intervention to ensure peace, protect national stability and prevent the misuse of communication platforms during a sensitive national exercise,” the Commission noted.
However, the decision has already sparked strong reactions across the country. Civil society groups, opposition leaders and digital rights advocates criticized the shutdown, warning that limiting access to online information undermines transparency and impedes election monitoring.
Businesses dependent on the internet — including mobile money operators, online media and e-commerce firms — also stand to be affected, with some expressing concern over expected financial losses.
Uganda has implemented similar nationwide blackouts during past elections, most notably in 2016 and 2021, drawing international criticism and calls for constitutional reforms on digital freedoms.
The UCC did not specify when the services will be fully restored, only stating that access will return “once the election period has stabilized.”
As polls open nationwide, all eyes remain on the voting process, security agencies and the internet switchboard — now unplugged millions who rely on digital platforms for information, business and daily communication.

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The government has suspended the operating permit of human rights organisation Chapter Four Uganda with immediate effect, citing intelligence information that links the organisation to activities deemed prejudicial to national security and contrary to the laws of Uganda.

In a letter dated January 9, 2026, the National Bureau for Non Governmental Organisations operating under the Ministry of Internal Affairs directed Chapter Four Uganda to halt all its activities as investigations into the alleged misconduct commence.

“The National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations receives intelligence information that Chapter Four Uganda is engaged in activities which are prejudicial to the security and the laws of Uganda contrary to Section 42(d) of the NGO Act Cap 109 as amended,” the letter signed by the Bureau’s Secretary Dr Stephen Okello, reads in part.

The NGO Bureau noted that the decision was taken in line with its statutory mandate to regulate, coordinate, monitor, and oversee all NGO operations in the country, adding that the allegations against Chapter Four Uganda touch on sensitive matters of national security.

“Due to the sensitivity of the matter and the nature of the allegations that relate to national security the organisation should cease operations until these investigations are concluded,” the Bureau stated emphasising that the suspension takes effect immediately.

According to the directive Chapter Four Uganda will be accorded an opportunity to be heard during the course of the investigations which the Bureau said will be concluded within a reasonable time.

“The purpose of this letter therefore is to suspend the NGO permit of Chapter Four Uganda and direct you to cease all operations of the organisation with immediate effect,” the notice further states.

In a move that signals the gravity of the matter the NGO Bureau formally notified key state and financial oversight institutions.

“The Inspector General of Police is hereby requested to ensure that Chapter Four Uganda does not continue to operate until this case is concluded,” the letter says.

The Registrar General at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and the Executive Director of the Uganda Bankers Association were also notified and advised to take note of the suspension.

However, this is not the first time Chapter Four Uganda’s operations have been halted by state authorities. In August 2021 government suspended the permits of several civil society organisations including Chapter Four citing non compliance with the NGO Act failure to file annual returns and audited accounts and alleged irregularities in funding and reporting.

Chapter Four challenged that suspension in the High Court arguing that the decision was unlawful and that the organisation had not been granted a fair hearing as required by law.

In May 2022, the High Court ruled that the indefinite suspension was irregular and directed that the organisation be accorded a hearing, a decision that paved the way for the renewal of its permit and the resumption of its operations after months of closure.

The decision comes shortly as the country waits to carry out 2026 general elections on Thursday and this political period is often marked by increased scrutiny of civil society organisations and their sources of funding activities and public engagement.

Chapter Four Uganda which has been involved in legal aid governance and human rights advocacy had not issued an immediate public response to the suspension by the time of publication.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the NGO Bureau have maintained that the action is administrative and lawful, stressing that investigations will determine the next course of action once concluded.

Efforts to get a comment from Mr Nicholas Opiyo, the Chapter Four focal person was unsuccessful as all his known telephone numbers were off.

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The Electoral Commission has confirmed that Uganda’s presidential election winner will be officially announced within 48 hours after polling concludes.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, January 12, 2026, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the vote-counting process will begin immediately after polls close. Votes will first be tallied at district centres before being transmitted to the national tally centre in Lubowa, Wakiso District.

“Once all district results have been compiled at the national centre, the Commission will officially declare the outcome of the presidential election within two days of the polls closing,” Justice Byabakama stated.

He also clarified the voting procedure, explaining that each voter will receive three separate ballots: one for the presidential election, one for the District Woman Member of Parliament, and one for the Directly Elected Member of Parliament. Each ballot will be placed in its own clearly marked ballot box.

Justice Byabakama added that every polling station will have seven election officials, including an election constable, all of whom will be clearly identifiable to voters, party agents, and election observers.

Justice Byabakama emphasized that all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.

He called on all stakeholders, including political leaders, voters, security agencies, election observers, media houses and the general public to work together to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

“The media play a vital role in maintaining peace. We urge journalists to report responsibly, accurately, and professionally before, during, and after the elections, as this is critical to national stability,” Justice Byabakama said.

However, according to the Ministry of Finance’s released pre-election economic and fiscal update data, a total of Shs1,238.75 billion has been required by government agencies to prepare and conduct Uganda’s 2026 general elections. The largest portion of this funding, Shs838.71 billion, was allocated to the Electoral Commission (EC) to cover logistical, staffing, and operational costs of running the polls.

Preparations began in FY 2023/24, when Shs76.12 billion was budgeted and released for the EC’s election-related activities. In FY 2024/25, the Commission received Shs312.40 billion, while the bulk of the funds, Shs728.20 billion, was allocated in FY 2025/26, the election year itself.

Security agencies have also been fully funded to safeguard the elections. The Uganda Police Force was allocated Shs263.03 billion in FY 2025/26, while the Uganda Prisons Service received Shs14.98 billion. These funds are meant to ensure law and order at polling stations, during vote counting, and throughout the electoral period.

As of November 2025, a total of Shs1,116.72 billion had been released to all agencies, with Shs838.16 billion already spent. Of this, the Electoral Commission spent Shs606.59 billion, the Police Force Shs222.83 billion, and the Prisons Service Shs8.75 billion.

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