Thousands of supporters gathered in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, on Tuesday as President Yoweri Museveni held his final campaign rally ahead of Thursday’s general election.
Museveni, 81, who leads the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), is seeking a seventh term after nearly four decades in power since 1986. Constitutional changes removing presidential age and term limits have enabled him to contest again, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Despite mounting criticism over alleged human rights abuses, corruption, and the suppression of political opposition, Museveni continues to enjoy strong backing from loyal supporters. The rally was awash in yellow, the NRM’s party colour.
Supporter Emma Akello praised the president’s youth empowerment programmes but said the funds do not always reach those most in need. “The president has injected a lot of money for the youth,” she said. “But the people in those offices should find better ways of ensuring the money reaches young people, especially those in the ghettos.”
Another supporter, Gloria Ninsiima, credited Museveni’s leadership with improving women’s rights. “Before, women were confined to the kitchen,” she said. “Now we can speak in public.”
In his closing remarks, Museveni urged supporters to turn out to vote, warning that any interference in the electoral process “would be crushed.”
Security has been tightened in Kampala ahead of the vote. Troops and armoured vehicles were deployed across parts of the city over the weekend, raising alarm among opposition leaders. The Uganda Communications Commission has also ordered mobile internet providers to temporarily suspend services, citing concerns over misinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement to violence.
Opposition candidates, including 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, have also been campaigning. Wine, who challenged Museveni in the 2021 election, has appeared at rallies wearing a flak jacket and helmet for protection.
The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed concern about the electoral environment, saying the vote is taking place amid repression and intimidation, with hundreds of opposition supporters reportedly detained by authorities.
