As it happened: Museveni wins 2016 election
Feb 17, 2016
The EC declares NRM's Yoweri Museveni the winner of the 2016 presidential election.
Presented by Joseph Kizza (@joekizza)
Summary
- Museveni secures another term at the helm with a convincing victory
- The NRM presidential candidate brushes aside competition from seven other candidates
- He has once again beaten his closest challenger FDC's Kizza Besigye
- Defeat means Besigye has failed to beat Museveni in four elections
5.00pm: Done and dusted!
That's all we have had for you as far as this commentary page is concerned ladies and gentlemen. But just like I have mentioned in the entry before, there is a whole bunch more to feast on . . . find the bite-size pieces of news all over this dining table of a website.
As I wish you a good evening, let me leave you with this picture . . .
. . . of President Museveni meeting former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Rupia Banda of Zambia at his country home in Rwakitura.
The two former heads of state are part of a panel of international observers led by the Head of the EAC team and former Tanzania President, Mr Ali Hassan Mwinyi who are in Uganda to monitor the Uganda elections.
4.50pm: There's more . . .
Don't go as yet good people. There is a whole lot more you can chew on that's election-related. So keep up-to-date with the latest stories from the all corners of the land by visiting the ELECTION WEBSITE as well as by staying right here on this site for a lot more news.
VISIT THE ELECTION WEBSITE
4.00pm: Final presidential results
MUSEVENI |
BESIGYE |
MBABAZI |
BWANIKA |
BARYAMUREEBA |
|
BIRAARO |
MABIRIZI |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
60.75% |
35.37% |
1.43% |
0.93% |
0.55% |
0.44% |
0.27% |
|
The NRM candidate beats all to the finish line with 5,617,503 votes (60.75%).
|
|
|
|
2.00pm: Muhwezi concedes defeat
Information and national guidance minister Jim Muhwezi and his wife Susan Muhwezi addresses journalists at his home in Kagunga, Nyakagyeme on Saturday morning during which he conceded defeat in the just concluded parliamentary elections released by Rukungiri returning officer, Pius Ahimbisibwe..
Muhwezi, flanked by his wife Susan, told journalists at his home that he has conceded defeat to Fred Turyamuhwezi of FDC.
According to results released by the district returning officer, Ahimbisibwe, the FDCs Fred Turyamuhwezi got 16.859 votes against Muhwezi's 14, 587 while Julius Muhurizi who lost to Muhwezi in during NRM primaries and contested as an independent candidate, got 2,758 votes.
Muhwezi thanked his family - particularly his wife - for their support to him while serving the people of Rujumbura and Rukungiri at large.
1.40pm: The election observers
Pictured below is an IGAD Observer team member Yufnalis Okubo addressing a press conference on Saturday at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. Right is the head of the East African Community Observer, the former President of Tanzania Hussein Mwinyi.
Journalists covering the election observers' press conference regarding the election monitoring at Sheraton
Election observers attending a press conference at Sheraton
EU election observer chief Eduard Kukan (C) addressing a press conference as his deputy Marian Gabriel (L) and and Jo Leinen (R) look on at Sheraton
The EU Election Observation Mission Uganda 2016 addressed a press conference in Kampala
12.30am: Biometric system helped - AU
Back to the earlier press conference by AU election observers at Sheraton in Kampala. Here are some of their obervsations:
- Thousands of domestic observers were deployed across the country
- There was general calm and a peaceful pre-election time
- The AU election observers were concerned about the closure of society media platforms by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on voting day
- AU observers visited 148 polling stations and witnessed the opening, voting , closing and counting of the process
- On the biometric voter identification system: In some polling stations, the kit worked well which hastened the process of identification. In other stations, they were not used, partly because polling officers did not have access
- Closing and counting time were not adhered to in some centres
- Overall assessment on the elections: they were largely peaceful but not without shortcomings
- Delays caused "needless anxiety" among some sections of the public
11.50am: Latest presidential results
Polling stations: 23,304 (out of 28,010)
MUSEVENI |
BESIGYE |
MBABAZI |
BWANIKA |
BIRAARO |
|
MABIRIZI |
KYALYA |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
61.55% |
34.47% |
1.50% |
0.93% |
0.27% |
0.57% |
0.26% |
|
|
11.30am: Poll 'largely peaceful' - AU
The overall assessment by the AU Election Observers of the Uganda general election is "largely peaceful but not without shortcomings". In this case, the shortcomings in particular are to do with delays in delivery of election material to polling stations.
Delivering a statement on Saturday, the team of observers pointed out a number of issues concerning the just-concluded presidential and parlimentary polls.
11.15am: Aggrieved Kabanda petitions court
The former Kampala Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Aisha Kabanda has gone to court challenging results after losing the contest for the Butambala district Woman MP seat.
New Vision writer Andrew Ssenyonga reports:
This comes after Lydia Mirembe (independent) emerged winner with 14,760, votes against Kabanda's 14,693 votes. Incumbent Mariam Nalubega (independent) scored 3,381 votes.
Shortly after the results were declared, Kabanda demanded a recount but the district returning officer Stephen Makubuya advised her to petition court, saying the circumstances of her loss were below the scope of a recount.
"The law does not allow a recount once the difference of votes polled by the contests is above 50 votes. So the case here - Mirembe beat Kabanda with a difference of 67 votes," he explained.
After the advice from the Electoral Commission, Kabanda told her supporters who had flocked the EC offices that she is heading to court to challenge the results.
"We can't accept this. Let me go and get good advocates who will represent us in court as we challenge this broad daylight robbery.
"It is absurd, results can change in a fraction of a second."
Kabanda said the results are questionable because of some anomalies on some of the electoral materials. According to her, she will demand a recount of the results by seeking a court order.
10.50am: Museveni leading in 43 districts
By David Lumu & John Agaba
|
(REFRESH this page for updates)
(For more election-related news, visit this page HERE. You can also keep up-todate with the latest developments on Election Day 2016 on this SPECIAL PAGE)
10.20am: The man who beat Banyenzaki
This man you see here in a jubilant mood around a happy crowd is NRM's Eng. Denis Sabiiti . . .
. . . and he is the reason behind the end of State minister Henry Banyenzaki's 15-year reign as Rubanda West MP.
Sabiiti was declared winner of the Rubanda West race on Friday by Kabale district returning officer Juma Adams Sesha at the Kabale district headquarters hall in Makanga, Kabale Municipality. He polled 24,106 votes, Banyenzaki 18,775, Leonard Twesigye 174, Isaiah Muhumuza 134 and Joseph Ruhangariyo getting only 382.
9.20am: 'My victory is for Kasese people'
MP Winfred Kiiza has retained the Kasese Woman MP seat after brushing aside her closest challenger in the race.
The FDC women's league chairperson was declared winner by Mbonigaba Lawrence, the Kasese district returning officer on Friday night. She polled 123,170 of the 345,130 votes cast to beat her closest rival, Asiimwe Jane Muhindo, the NRM candidate who garnered 70,564 votes.
"My victory is for the people of Kasese and I am happy that I have been declared winner and my opponent has conceded defeat and we are going to work together for the development of Kasese," she said.
8.40am: Latest presidential results
Polling stations: 21,254 (out of 28,010)
MUSEVENI |
BESIGYE |
MBABAZI |
BWANIKA |
BIRAARO |
|
MABIRIZI |
KYALYA |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
votes |
61.05% |
34.94% |
1.50% |
0.95% |
0.28% |
0.58% |
0.26% |
|
Spoilt votes: 22,046 |
8.16am: 'Accept the results'
The NRM secretary general Justine Lumumba Kasule has just addressed a press conference at Jokas Hotel in Bweyogerere, Kampala, and has called on all contestants at their respective levels to "accept the results". She says that whatever the result, the final say is by the people of Uganda who have made their decision through the ballot.
On top of offering NRM's progress so far in the elections, Lumumba goes on to thank the various stakeholders involved in this electoral process: the national Electoral Commission, security organs, the media, international observers.
8.02am: Butambala gets new Woman MP
By Andrew Ssenyonga
The Butambala district returning officer Stephen Makubuya on Friday declared President Yoweri Museveni (NRM), Lydia Mirembe (Independent) and DP's Muwanga Kivumbi as winners in the district for presidential, Woman representative and Butambala County directly elected MP.
Final results for the Butambala district woman parliamentary seat surprised many as the district has got a new and very little known Woman MP. Lydia Mirembe got 14,760, votes to beat former Kampala RCC Aisha Kabanda to position.
Kabanda got 14,693 votes while the incumbent, Mariam Nalubega (Independent) scored 381 votes.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's Muwanga Kivumbi retained his seat for Butambala Constituency after scooping 22,223 (55%) whereas Faisal Kikulukunyu (NRM) and Massy Moses Kasule (FDC) collected 13,376 (35%) and 530 (1%) respectively. Balikuddembe Mukasa trailed with only 317 votes.
The district returning officer Stephen Makubuya also confirmed that candidate Yoweri Museveni (NRM) won in the district with a total of 17,019 votes, beating his closest rival FDC's Col. Kizza Besigye who polled 14, 294 followed by Abed Bwanika and Amama Mbabazi with 312 and 231 votes respectively.
Others, including Venansius Baryamureeba, Maureen Kyalya, Joseph Mabirizi and Benon Biraro all polled 188, 92, 54 and 44 votes respectively.
8.00am: GOOD MORNING!
Hello and welcome again to text commentary of Uganda Election 2016. Hope you are up and catching a cup of coffee and toast. Over here, we are back to the final day of vote tallying and we expect that later in the day, at 4pm local time to be more precise, the Electoral Commission boss Dr. Badru Kiggundu will announce the eventual winner of the presidential election.
For now, provisional results put NRM candidate Yoweri Museveni in the lead, followed by FDC's Kizza Besigye and former PM Amama Mbabazi in third.
Meanwhile, at the national tally centre at Namboole, Kiggundu will make his eighth announcement on the results shortly . . .
1.40am: Latest presidential results
Polling stations: 15,801 (out of 28,010)
MUSEVENI |
BESIGYE |
MBABAZI |
BWANIKA |
BIRAARO |
|
MABIRIZI |
KYALYA |
3,373,998 votes |
1,932,323 votes |
91,980 votes |
54,704 votes |
16,338 votes |
34,627 votes |
15,498 votes |
25,631 votes |
60.85% |
34.85% |
1.66% |
0.99% |
0.29% |
0.62% |
0.28% |
0.46%
|
|
11.30pm: All eyes on him
Indeed, all the attention - and cameras - are on this one man as we draw ever closer to finding out our next president. Dr. Badru Kiggundu isn't getting much sleep with such an amount of responsibility weighing down on his shoulders, is he?
10.40pm: Presidential polls: Latest results . .
Polling stations: 14,708 (out of 28,010)
MUSEVENI |
BESIGYE |
MBABAZI |
BWANIKA |
BIRAARO |
|
MABIRIZI |
KYALYA |
3,156,070 votes |
1,767,041 votes |
88,900 votes |
51,150 votes |
15,588 votes |
33,135 votes |
14,757 votes |
24,536 votes |
61.27% |
34.30% |
1.78% |
0.99% |
0.30% |
0.64% |
0.29% |
0.48% |
|
(REFRESH this page for updates)
(For more election-related news, visit this page HERE. You can also keep up-todate with the latest developments on Election Day 2016 on this SPECIAL PAGE)
7.10pm: Latest presidential results . . .
Polling stations: 13,305 (out of 28,010)
MUSEVENI |
BESIGYE |
MBABAZI |
BWANIKA |
BIRAARO |
|
MABIRIZI |
KYALYA |
2,900,109 votes |
1,507,495 votes |
80,893 votes |
45,370 votes |
14,469 votes |
31,331 votes |
13,660 votes |
23,076 votes |
62.8% |
32.66% |
1.75% |
0.98% |
0.31% |
0.68% |
0.3% |
0.5% |
|
5.17pm: Bukenya to contestants: accept defeat
"There is no need for hate and demonstrations if you have been defeated because we cannot have two winners. Those who fail to win should remain calm to promote peace. Those with genuine reason can go to court of law for redress."
These were the words of former Ugandan vice president Prof. Gilbert Bukenya after he had cast his ballot at Naguru-Buwanuka in Kakiri sub-county Wakiso district on Thursday.
He is in the race to retain the Busiro North seat, and he says he is ready to concede defeat - if there is no foul play in the process.
4.50pm: Police's Kaweesi: 'Remain calm'
IGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi addresses the people at Gaba landing site where several voters missed out on voting on the second day after rioters tore ballots in protest against delayed delivery of results. Kaweesi asked them to remain calm as they wait for a way forward from the Electoral Commission. All voters between NAO - Z missed voting after their names and ballot materials were missing on the second day. Others voted.
Here, a woman casts her vote at Gaba Trading Polling Station in Makindye Division . . .
(REFRESH this page for updates)
(For more election-related news, visit this page HERE. You can also keep up-todate with the latest developments on Election Day 2016 on this SPECIAL PAGE)
4.40pm: 'Our man! Our man!'
Taxi drivers and conductors under their umbrella association, Kampala Operational Taxi Stages Association (KOTSA) have slaughtered two goats to celebrate President Yoweri Museveni's early lead in the presidential polls. They roasted the meat and served it to their customers and NRM supporters in the Old Taxi Park.
3.35pm: Results so far . . .
Polling stations: 12,465 (out of 28,010)
MUSEVENI |
BESIGYE |
MBABAZI |
BWANIKA |
BIRAARO |
|
MABIRIZI |
KYALYA |
2,715,914 votes |
1,414,798 votes |
74,127 votes |
42,270 votes |
13,495 votes |
28,814 votes |
12,510 votes |
21,683 votes |
62.82% |
32.72% |
1.71% |
0.98% |
0.31% |
0.67% |
0.29% |
0.50% |
|
3.00pm: Statement on polls
The chairman of the Citizen Election Observer Network Uganda (CEOUN-U) Livingstone Sewanyana (left) and the Executive Director of Uganda Women's Network (UWONET) Rita Achiro at Hotel Africana on Friday (today).
They were presenting a statement on the 2016 general elections.
1.55pm: EC boss for 4th announcement
At 2.00pm local time, only five minutes away, Eng. Badru Kiggundu will appear before the media to make his fourth announcement on the presidential results.
Grab yourself a bottle/glass of water and sip away . . .
1.30pm: Hoima presidential results
(REFRESH this page for updates)
(For more election-related news, visit this page HERE. You can also keep up-todate with the latest developments on Election Day 2016 on this SPECIAL PAGE)
1.20pm: Oguttu muscled off seat
BUGIRI - A 28-year-old has muscled Leader of Opposition in Parliament Wafula Oguttu off the Bukooli Central parliamentary seat.
Solomon Silwany's 28,049 votes were enough to beat the opposition politician who got 28,049 votes in the 183 polling stations in Bukooli Central.
Silwany, who contested on an NRM ticket, promised to fulfill all the pledges he made including extension of clean piped water to Bukooli Central constituency and improving the infrastructure in the area.
11.15am: Museveni leads the pack
3RD PROVISIONAL RESULTS BY EC
Polling stations: 10,247 (out of 28,010)
MUSEVENI |
BESIGYE |
MBABAZI |
BWANIKA |
BIRAARO |
|
MABIRIZI |
KYALYA |
2,191,281 votes |
1,182,025 votes |
60,694 votes |
35,487 votes |
11,176 votes |
23,380 votes |
10,266 votes |
18,444 votes |
62.03% |
33.46% |
1.72% |
1.00% |
0.32% |
0.69% |
0.29% |
0.52% |
The Electoral Commission chairman Eng. Badru Kiggundu has given his third announcement on the provisional presidential results, with Museveni still leading the pack and FDC's Kizza Besigye in second.
Kiggundu, after warning the media on announcement of results, says he will be back for his fourth announcement in the afternoon.
10.40am: Butime set for return He is leading a four-strong race which features Prospus Businge, Stephen Kananura and Kasukali Mitusera - all independent candidates. Mwenge Central is a new constituency that was split from Mwenge North. In 2011 Butime lost the then-Mwenge North seat to David Muhumuza. Meanwhile, New Vision's Geoffrey Mutegeki says all NRM flagbearers in Kyenjojo district are leading in their respective constituencies. Those leading include: Spellanza Baguma, the flagbearer for Woman MP seat; Aston Kajara who is vying for the Mwenge South MP seat and Lawrence Akugizibwe who is challenging incumbent David Muhumuza for the Mwenge North. Counting of votes is going on at Kyenjojo district headquarters Kasina. Barbra Mulimira, the Kyenjojo district returning officer, has commended the people of Kyenjojo for being peaceful during the exercise. |
9.40am: Gen. Ali shines in Adjumani
The returning officer of Adjumani district, Richard Ogen Opio, has officially declared Second deputy Prime minister Gen. Moses Ali (top left) winner of the Adjumani West parliamentary seat.
Gen. Ali floored his arch-rival Tolu Irama Philip, with a total vote of 12,787 against Tolu's 7,229 votes, reports New Vision's Unzima John.
Meanwhile, in Adjumani East, NRM's Mark Dulu has taken the lead with 14,043 votes while former Adjumani MP Santos Eruaga Mulago has 5,749. Others in the race are; Celetino Mindrea, who is a former president of Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation and little-known Baker Anyama.
9.20am: FDC's Ariko takes Soroti
Soroti district returning officer John Paul Osinde has declared FDC's Herbert Edmond Ariko the winner of the Soroti Municipality parliamentary race.
Ariko garnered 9,619 votes (54.80%) while his closest rival Moses Attan Okia got 5,716 votes (32.56%). NRM's Peter Ojur got 1,560 votes (8.8%), Ebiau Peter Carlos, who also wanted the seat, got 127 votes (0.72%) and James Herbert Elaju got 99 votes (0.56%).
Shortly after being declared winner, Ariko pledged to work for the development of Soroti Municipality.
8.40am: From comedy to politics
Oh yes, it's real. Seasoned Ugandan comedian Kato Lubwama (pictured below), whose voice is very common on local radio, is leading incumbent Ken Lukyamuzi in the Rubaga South parliamentary race.
Provisional results indicate that the Conservative Party (CP) president is trailing Lubwama. Lukyamuzi has been the area Member of Parliament for 15 years.
Now that's something, I say!
8.10am: UPDATE: Museveni still ahead
2ND PROVISIONAL RESULTS BY EC
Polling stations: 6,448 (out of 28,010)
MUSEVENI |
BESIGYE |
MBABAZI |
BWANIKA |
BIRAARO |
|
MABIRIZI |
KYALYA |
1,362,961 votes |
738,628 votes |
41,291 votes |
22,180 votes |
7,228 votes |
15,260 votes |
6,833 votes |
12,742 votes |
61.75% |
33.47% |
1.87% |
1.00% |
0.33% |
0.69% |
0.31% |
0.58% |
The Electoral Commission chairman Eng. Badru Kiggundu on Friday morning gives an update of the provisional presidential results based on 6,448 polling stations.
NRM's Museveni is so far leading with 1,362,961 votes (61.75%) and his closest challenger FDC's Besigye has 738,628 votes (33.47%).
7.20am: Luuka results
Results are still being tallied at different polling centres across the country. It is still a long way until the Electoral Commission puts together all the votes cast. In places like Luuka district, results from the presidential polling are as follows:
- Bwanika 322
- Mbabazi 266
- Baryamureeba 228
- Biraaro 83
- Besigye 15,760
- Mabirizi 68
- Kyalya 684
- Museveni 32,511
Total number of votes: 59,922
Invalid votes: 3,072
7.00am: Quick reminder . . .
Just so we are on the same page this morning, NRM presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni is in the lead, according to provisional results from the national tally centre at Namboole.
The Electoral Commission is yet to announce an updated version of the provisional results since making the first announcement at around 1.00am local time.
So in case you were deep in slumber at that time, here is what those first PROVISIONAL results look like:
1ST PROVISIONAL RESULTS BY EC
Polling stations: 580 (out of 28,010)
MUSEVENI |
BESIGYE |
MBABAZI |
BWANIKA |
BIRAARO |
|
MABIRIZI |
KYALYA |
117, 298 votes |
59,695 votes |
2,446 votes |
1,723 votes |
627 votes |
984 votes |
503 votes |
1,141 votes |
63.67% |
32.4% |
1.22% |
0.94% |
0.34% |
0.53% |
0.27% |
0.62% |
6.40am: Sironko: Mafabi strong, Sasaga trails
n Sironko district, Budadiri East incumbent MP Isaiah Wanzira Sasaga of FDC was by midnight trailing while NRM party candidate Vincent Wabwoya was leading.
Budadiri West strongman Nathan Nandala Mafabi looks on course to retaining his seat with a clear lead against his only rival Kosea Wambaka of the NRM party, reports New Vision's Joseph Wanzusi.
In the district Woman MP race, NRM party candidate Florence Nambozo was leading, ahead of FDC's Robinah Wamanga of FDC party, according to results from 11 sub-counties already announced by the district registrar Kenneth Kayabwe at the tally centre set up at the office of the district engineer in Sironko town.
In the presidential race, incumbent Yoweri Museveni was leading his closest challenger Kizza Besigye of FDC party.
6.20am: Kitgum: Anywar leading
Good morning!
Kitgum Woman MP Beatrice Atim Anywar is on course to winning the Kitgum Municipality seat after provisional results show she is ahead with a convincing lead.
New Vision's Wokorach-Oboi says she appears to have weathered the stiff competition from her three male challengers: veteran UPC stalwart, John Livingstone Okello Okello, FDC's Denis Oneka-lit Amere and current mayor Richard Okwera Ojara who is also the NRM flag-bearer.
According to provisional results released by Electoral Commission District Returning Officer, Joan Aduru, Anywar has so far garnered 5,346 votes from all but one polling station from a total of 40 in the municipality.
Her closest competitor Amere has managed 2,863 followed by Ojara at 2,646 while the former two-time Chua MP Okello Okello tails with 595 votes.
Jubilant supporters of Anywar had by 6pm Thursday started gathering in front of her campaign office along Uhuru Drive in the centre of town, singing and dancing joyfully.
The largely female support group chanted "Mego dong Mego" meaning "a mother is a mother" - one of her campaign slogans during the grueling campaigns.
1.20am: Museveni takes early lead
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
Polling stations: 580 (out of 28,010)
MUSEVENI |
BESIGYE |
MBABAZI |
BWANIKA |
BIRAARO |
|
MABIRIZI |
KYALYA |
117, 298 votes |
59,695 votes |
2,446 votes |
1,723 votes |
627 votes |
984 votes |
503 votes |
1,141 votes |
63.67% |
32.4% |
1.22% |
0.94% |
0.34% |
0.53% |
0.27% |
0.62% |
The first set of provisional presidential results announced by the Electoral Commission chairman Eng. Badru Kiggundu at about 1.10am local time Friday have put NRM presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni in the lead.
Out of the 28,010 polling stations, Kiggundu announced presidential results from the first "received, confirmed and verified" 580 polling stations.
Museveni leads with 117, 298 votes, which represents 63.67% of the 184,217 valid votes.
FDC flagbearer Dr. Kizza Besigye is in second with 59,695 votes (32.4%).
In the earliest provisional results, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi is in third with 2,446 votes out of 184, 217 valid votes counted - representing a 1.22%.
Abed Bwanika of PDP follows with 1,723 votes (0.94%), then Maureen Kyalya with 1,141 votes (0.62%).
Former Makerere University vice chancellor Prof Venansius Baryamureeba is so far in fifth with 984 votes (0.54%). Maj. Gen. (rtd) Benon Biraaro is in second-last with 627 votes (0.34%) while Elton Joseph Mabirizi trails with 503 votes (0.27%).
Out of the 185,369 votes received, confirmed and verified so far, 184,217 were valid while 11,152 were invalid.
After Kiggundu announces these provisional results, he says the next announcement would be made "most likely in two hours or as soon as we receive substantive votes".
8.30pm: Obasanjo statement
Earlier . . . PRESS STATEMENT by the former Nigerian president:
At a polling station in Kampala, the Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group, former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, urged all stakeholders to refrain from acts which could affect the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election.
He also confirmed that an interim assessment of their observations will be issued on 20 February.
"Today is an opportunity for the people to exercise their democratic right and express their will through the ballot box. It is vitally important that all stakeholders respect the franchise and refrain from acts of violence and intimidation," President Obasanjo stated.
"As Commonwealth observers, our role is to consider whether the election has been conducted credibly and transparently. We are looking not only at election day, but the whole electoral process, and whether it is compliant with both Ugandan's laws and the international and regional standards to which the country has committed."
He assured Ugandans that the Commonwealth's assessment and report will accurately reflect the group's observations, insisting that all observers must "say it as you see it". He added: "We are all men and women of integrity and I do not believe any of us would want to sacrifice his or her integrity on the alter of unnecessary convenience."
(REFRESH this page for updates)
(For more election-related news, visit this page HERE. You can also keep up-todate with the latest developments on Election Day 2016 on this SPECIAL PAGE)
8.00pm: Warming up
Pictured here are jubilant supporters of Alex Ruhunda Akiiki of the NRM. He is contesting for MP Fort Portal Municipality
Such was the mood in Fort Portal after announcement of provisional results
7.10pm: Vote counting . . . continues
It is now past the official extended time, which effectively means POLLING HAS ENDED.
6.45pm: The moment when . . .
. . . Museveni lined up
Just in case you missed that moment . . . At Kaaro High School in Rushere, NRM presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni joined the line with his daughter Patience (extreme left) to vote.
(REFRESH this page for updates)
(For more election-related news, visit this page HERE. You can also keep up-todate with the latest developments on Election Day 2016 on this SPECIAL PAGE)
6.40pm: Humor at polling station
6.30pm: What a hot Thursday!
It's no doubt it's been a very hot day in many parts of the country. Vote counting is taking place at many polling stations and those votes are being counted because people like these voters at Kitswamba sub-county headquarters in Kasese braved the scorching sun to cast their ballot.
Temparatures have been sweltering, averaging somewhere around 28 degress Celsius (82 degress Farenheit) throughout the day.
5.50pm: Vote counting in progress
Vote counting at Apala Trading Centre 02, Apala sub-county in Alebtong district . . .
Earlier . . .
Kaliisa Joverine Kyomukama for Ibanda Woman MP (NRM) casts her ballot at Nyakatokye Primary School, Kashangura sub-county in Ibanda district.
Barbara Nekesa Oundo casts her vote at Sichehe-Sikohwe polling station in Masafu.
5.20pm: Missing names: Turned away
Some voters in Ngora district have been turned away from polling stations over their names missing in the national voters register, reports New Vision's Charles Achoda.
Timothy Okim and Peter Okiria who turned up to vote at Mukura Primary School polling station were among those whose names were missing.
"I am not happy because I have missed to vote the candidate of my choice. The Electoral Commission should answer why our names missed out in the national voters registrar," said Okim.
In Kumi district, over 30 people were turned away at Kumi Township polling station when their names missed out in the registrar.
5.10pm: Busy man, busy times
Around this time, all eyes are on one man, and there are no prizes for guessing who it is. Electoral Commission boss Eng. Badru Kiggundu, pictured here announcing the polling extension before journalists, decided to sport a white cap and a blue checkered shirt today.
It's busy times Mr. Kiggundu!
4.40pm: Vote counting starts
Counting of votes has starting in some places, particularly at Lira Cathederal polling station in Lira district. Pictured here is the polling assistant counting the votes.
Also, vote counting is under way at Rukungiri town council primary school in Easten division
(Refresh page for updates)
4.30pm: Bufumbira, Buyende polls off
The Bufumbira County East elections have been suspended due to a mix-up on symbols. The race involves NRM candidate Dr. Nsaba Buturo and Eddie Kwizera, who is an independent. On the ballot paper, a bicycle is displayed against Buturo's picture instead of the bus (NRM symbol). Kwezira, on the other hand has his right symbol (clock) against his picture on the ballot paper.
The same can be said to the Buyende Woman MP polls. The elections there too have been suspended due to wrong symbols used on the ballot paper.
4.20pm: EC extends polling
The Electoral Commission has extended the polling to 7pm to make up for delays in election material delivery in various parts of the country, according to Jotham Taremwa, the EC spokesperson.
Taremwa says the Commission has exercised their powers granted to them by Electoral Commision Act (section 50) to extend polling to 7pm.
4.10pm: Polling ends officially
Officially, polling is closed, and so from this time onwards, only those already in the queue will be allowed to vote.
Meanwhile, Electoral Commission chairman Eng. Badru Kiggundu has told the press just a few minutes ago that at stations where voting had to start as late as 2pm, voters will have until 7pm to cast their ballot. This, he says, is by powers given to them by the law.
3.40pm: 'I will sleep, exercise'
Possibility of a coalition government Mr. President?
"Coalition for what? You form a coalition when you don't have majority. NRM will win. NRM will win with a big majority," he says, making it clear that he is ready to work with opposition.
"We can work with those people (opposition) if they are serious about development. Even if you are not in governmen, you can work with government to bring about development."
So what will Museveni do after voting? Sleep part of his plan. "I have not been sleeping. Also, I will go to my cows and also exercise."
On post-election violence: "There will be no violence. If anyone tries, we will put them in a deep freezer and they will cool down," stresses the NRM candidate.
On social media, mobile money blockage: "It's temporary. Some people use those pathways [social media] to tell lies. He adds that social media and mobile money platforms were blocked as a security precaution "to stop those creating trouble".
3.25pm: 'Population is not gullible'
"The real life of our people depends on agriculture, factories, shops and service companies," adds the NRM leader, also adding ICT to that list.
On his chances at the polls, he says his party will "obviously win".
"We have been defeating these people [opposition] even when we had insurgencies. Now Uganda is peaceful. Opposition has been telling lies but the population is not gullible. It is not easy telling them lies," says Museveni, calmly.
On the biometric voter identification system, Museveni, who is the incumbent, says he has been fighting for the use of this system for the last 53 years. Along the way, "human vigilance has been missing. That's why I insisted, I struggled, that we must have the finger print".
With the biometric system, "it will be difficult to vote more than once".
3.15pm: 'NRM will win'
After "doing my duty as a citizen", in reference to casting his ballot, Museveni addresses the media, where he maintains strongly that his party will win this election.
Before setting down to talk to the press, he is keen to deliver his conference from a reasonable distance from the polling station.
"I can't hold a press conference in a polling station. It's illegal. It's like having a dance in a church," he says.
To Ugandans, Museveni says: "They should be calm, vote, stay at polling stations so you see how it's being done, and after results have been announced and recorded, then go home."
3.05pm: MUSEVENI VOTES
President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM candidate, has cast his vote in Rushere.
2.55pm: NRM's Museveni lines up to vote
NRM presidential candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is in the queue in Rushere (Kiruhura district), ready to cast his vote. He is wearing his trademark hat, a grey suit and a yellow tie.
His wife, the First Lady Janet Museveni, is however not with Museveni. She is voting in Ntungamo district today.
2.40pm: Making a choice in Kireka
Voting is going on in Kireka, Wakiso district as residents decide their next leaders through the ballot.
(REFRESH this page for updates)
(For more election-related news, visit this page HERE. You can also keep up-todate with the latest developments on Election Day 2016 on this SPECIAL PAGE)
2.20pm: 'A trick'
Presidential candidate Dr. Abed Bwanika chose to vote from Kimwanyi village in Kingo sub-county (his native village) in Masaka district, reports New Vision correspondent Davis Buyindo.
Bwanika arrived few minutes to noon at Kimwanyi Primary School polling station where he voted. Being a homeboy, residents kept on cheering as his old boys and girls hugged and took photos with him.
He joined a queue of more than 20 voters where he spent 10 minutes before residents allowed him to vote before them.
He later told journalists that he it was unrealistic for Electoral Commission officials to delay voting materials in Kampala and Wakiso. He explained that voting materials delayed to reach the polling stations which may force the exercise to end late at night.
"This is a trick to rig elections in the cover of darkness. How come they supplied far districts in the northern and eastern and western region and neglected Kampala and Wakiso."
2.10pm: I am confident of victory - VP
Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi made his way to Kamuzinda parish in Kyanamukaaka sub-county, Masaka district to vote for himself and his favourite candidate presidential and woman MP candidate.
Ssekandi, also the Bukoto Central MP Candidate and incumbent, arrived at Molly and Paul-Kamuzinda Primary and secondary school at around 10am local time.
He joined the queue of more than 120 voters until when officials gave him VIP treatment. After the consent of the voters, polling officials verified and allowed him to vote.
He told journalists that he is optimistic about victory, saying he made enough preparations for the race which gave him an edge over his opponents.
He further appealed to the voters to remain calm and respect the final results from the Electoral commission.
"I also advise all winners to respect the losers and the losers to embark on enough preparations for the 2021 general election."
1.20pm: Lwanga: 'Go and vote'
Kampala Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga has called on fellow Ugandans to go and vote. The cleric led by example on Thursday morning when he made his way to the Uganda Martyrs polling station in Rubaga, Kampala and cast his vote.
Well, the temperatures are sweltering, and the sun is so high up in the skies. If you are heading to vote, you could save yourself some beating from the sun by carrying an umbrella along. Just saying . . .
1.10pm: February 24
I should remind you that the elections for other elective offices like Kampala Lord Mayor, municipality mayors, councillors and district chairpersons will be held on February 24.
So today, voters are choosing their President and MPs.
1.00pm: 'No irregularities in Amolatar'
In the northern Ugandan district of Amolatar, the district registrar, Richad Onaba said there were no reported irregularities at the start of teh exercise.
Voting started well, according to New Vision's Fred Ogwang.One of the parliamentary candidates, Anthony Okello, hailed to level of security at the polling centres.
(REFRESH this page for updates)
(For more election-related news, visit this page HERE. You can also keep up-todate with the latest developments on Election Day 2016 on this SPECIAL PAGE)
12.50pm: The right to vote
This elderly voter cast her ballot at Kiryatete West polling station in Hoima town.
12.45pm: Over 70,000 expected in Pader
As many as 70,112 voters are expected to vote today in Pader district for presidential and parliamentary elections, according to Omona Joseph, district's returning officer.
Pader has two constituencies - Aruu North and Aruu county. It has 12 sub-counties with 159 polling stations, 54 parishes and 650 villages.
According to New Vision's Patrick Okidi, all the elections materials were collected from the district Electoral Commission office based at the headquarters.
Aruu North has five hopefuls: Former RDC of Amuru, Kidega James Nabbinson (NRM), Onen Bernard Akamba Okeny (FDC), Ology Obina (independent), Aciro Lucy (independent) and Odong Laurent (independent).
Meanwhile, three candidates vying for the Aruu County seat: incumbent MP Odonga Samuel Otto (FDC), Akena Alfred (NRM) and Ocaya Samson (TDA).
The district Woman MP race is being hotly contested for by the mother-in-law of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament (Jacob Olulanyah) Santa Okot (TDA), the incumbent MP Lowila C.D.Oketayot (NRM) and Vicky Norah Odong of FDC.
12.30pm: Koboko: Anite votes
NRM's Evelyn Anite slips her ballot paper into the ballot box in Koboko Municipality in northern Uganda.
12.15pm: Candidate Mabirizi casts his ballot
He is one of the eight presidential hopefuls. He is a pastor, an engineer and a businessman. He is Elton Joseph Mabirizi.
The 40-year-old is contesting as an independent candidate under the Independents Coalition (TIC), a loose alliance of about 21 of the 48 presidential aspirants he reportedly heads.
(REFRESH this page for updates)
(For more election-related news, visit this page HERE. You can also keep up to date with the latest developments on Election Day 2016 on this special page)
12.10pm: Hot, hot, hot day!
Meanwhile, voting is going on at Summit View polling station in Kololo, Kampala. The voting materials arrived there at 9am local time and voting kicked off some 45 minutes later.
11.45am: Woes over biometric machines
Voters at some polling stations under Kasubi Central A-Z located in front of the UPDF fourth division military barracks within Bar-Dege Division in Gulu municipality have expressed dismay over the EC's biometric voter verification machines.
New Vision's Dennis Ojwee reports that voters are disappointed with the machines in nine polling stations that failed to respond to their finger-print samples, yet their names were found on the national register.
Other complaints have been over names. Some voters have complained about their names not being found at the polling stations as indicted on their voter-location slips supplied by the EC recently.
11.20am: Dokolo South election cancelled
New Vision's Vien Obote writes:
The parliamentary election in Dokolo South constituency, Dokolo district has been cancelled over candidate symbols.
The election was called off Thursday morning by the Dokolo district returning officer Benjamin Ewal after independent candidate Daniel Okello (pictured down) and candidate Okello Jasper Magambo (independent) complained that their symbols had been swapped.
Ewal said Okello's symbol of a clock was changed and replaced with a table while his competitor Magambo was given a symbol of a clock.
"I made sure I called off the election for directly elected Member of Parliament for Dokolo South because voters were being misguided since almost every candidate has been campaigning with his particular symbol", said returning officer Ewal.
"Our task as Electoral Commission is to make this election is free and fair. Voting for president and for woman MP is continuing as planned."
(REFRESH this page for updates)
10.45am: Only female candidate first to vote
Maureen Kyalya, the only female candidate in the presidential race, was the first of the eight candidates to cast her ballot, in Jinja. She was followed by FDC's Kizza Besigye who voted on the other end of the country, in Rukungiri district.
(REFRESH this page for updates)
10.35am: 'Sorry for delays'
Electoral Commission chairman Eng. Badru Kiggundu has apologised for the delay in dispatching of voting material to some polling stations.
He said the delays were due to the late arrival of trucks that were supposed to transport the material to the polling venues, but he assured that they will be dispatched to the affected polling stations.
Also, the EC boss assured that whoever will be in the queue by the official closing time of polling (4pm local time) will be allowed to vote.
10.15am: Besigye heading to vote
FDC presidential flagbearer Dr. Kizza Besigye is stormed by reporters as he walks to the Rwakabengo polling station, Rukungiri Municipality, where he will cast his ballot.
Earlier, journalists had at camped outside his upcountry home.
Meanwhile, voting is already under way at the polling centre where the opposition leader will cast his ballot.
(REFRESH this page for updates)
10.00am: Lwengo: Candidate Mbabaali votes
The Bukoto South NRM party Parliamentary candidate in Lwengo district, Hajji Muyanja Mbabaali cast his ballot at Ngondati polling station in Kingo sub-county.
He was flanked by his wife, State Minister for Urban development, Mariam Najjemba (not in view). Mbabaali is contesting against the incumbent MP and DP General secretary,Mathias Nsubuga and Gertrude Nakabira (independent).
9.50am: Voting going on in Fort Portal
Voters at this polling station in Fort Portal district are making their decision count. It's a fairly beautiful day over there and all seems to be going just fine.
Today's polling is for president and parliamentary positions. Next week on Wednesday (February 24) will see the polling of the Local Government leaders:
- Chairpersons, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for District/LC V
- Lord Mayor, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for Kampala Capital City Authority
(REFRESH this page for updates)
9.40am: Delays in Mbale
New Vision reporter Joseph Wanzusi: "Voting materials delayed to reach several polling stations in Mbale district as voters eagerly awaited to cast their vote for the president and members of Parliament on Thursday morning.
At Najjah polling station in Nakaloke Town Council, voting materials were delivered there at about 9.15am while at Nekombe Polling station in Lukhonge sub-county in Mbale district, a voter told New Vision that by 9.00am, no voting materials had been delivered to kick off polling."
Remember people, today's polling is for presidential and parliamentary candidates
(And for more election-related news, visit this page HERE. You can also keep up to date with the latest developments on Election Day 2016 on this special page)
9.10am: A little wet in Gulu
Up north in Gulu districts, voters woke up to an early morning drizzle as voting kicked in most polling stations.
8.50am: A lot more elections stuff
Are you in the mood for more local content on elections? I bet you are. Good enough, we have got a whole website dedicated to nothing else other than the Ugandan elections.
So grab yourself a cup of tea, stick your spoon in your bowl of cornflakes and get browsing HERE. In fact, there is also a special page dedicated for Election Day.
Meanwhile, at St. Joseph's Community Garden polling centre in Kulambiro, voting material arrived at 8am, says New Vision's Mary Kansiime.
But much earlier than that, crime preventers got to the KCCA polling station in Naguru a little past 7am local time.
Are you voting today? Or are you done casting that very important ballot? You could be still in the queue or even just heading to your polling station. All that matters is that your will cast you vote.
Join the convesation on Twitter using the hashtag #UgandaDecides and also follow the discussion on New Vision's Facebook page The New Vision and Urban TV's page UrbanTV
8.30am: Flashback . . . remember this?
In the 2011 elections, NRM presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni won the polls with 68.3% while his closest challenger and FDC's Dr. Kizza Besigye came in second with 26%.
This year again, the two are back in familiar territory and are in an eight-strong race for the presidency. PDP's Abed Bwanika is the only other candidate who has stood more than once before. The other five are first-timers: Joseph Mabirizi, Amama Mbabazi, Benon Biraaro, Maureen Kyalya and Venansius Baryamureeba.
Sharing your thoughts
Patrick Oyulu: Happy Election Day folks. Stay safe. GO Vote! Stay Safe. Peace!
Daniel Kalinaki: Not surprised about polling delays or late start as #UgandaDecides. Most businesses usually don't open until 9am, many meetings start late!
8.15am: Voting under way
In Kasese town in the western part of the country, voting at the bus park polling station is under way. Today, the voters there are electing a president and Members of Parliament who will lead them through the next five years.
Meanwhile, voting delayed in Bushenyi district. By 8am local time, people had started lining up but are yet to cast their ballot.
8.10am: Disqualified
One parliamentary cnadidate in the Buyanja, Godfrey Muwonge, is no longer in the race after he was disqualified on Wednesday. Eric Gimei, the registrar of Kibaale district told New Vision that Muwonge forged a signature of one of the voters who supported him during nomination.
Gemei said that Muwonge will appear on the ballot paper but he will not be counted, says New Vision's Ismael Kasooha.
7.40am: Getting set
In Masindi, at Masindi stadium polling station, agents and polling assistants got down to getting the area set for voting. Meanwhile, by 7.30am local time, voting materials had not yet been distributed in Kirasa cell.
The turn up at masindi stadium polling station is still low, according to New Vision reporter Priscillar Nyamahunge.
7.35am: Electoral offences
So as you go to cast your vote at your respective polling station today, please wrap your mind around the things that you could do that, by law, are electoral offeces. Here they are:
- Forging or destroying electoral material
- Forging, counterfeiting or destroying a ballot paper
- Supplying ballot papers without authority
- Selling or buying any document relating to holding elections without authority
- Knowingly and intentionally putting in the ballot box anything other than a ballot paper
- Multiple voting and voting at a polling station where someone is not meant to vote
- An election officer making wrong returns
- Impersonating a registered voter
- Using undue influence to coerce someone to vote a particular candidate
- Twelve people gathering less than 100 metres from a polling station
- Sloganeering, public dancing or singing, distributing party leaflets and canvassing for votes less than 100 metres from a polling station
- Selling any intoxicating liquor less than 200 metres from polling station.
7.05am: Polling Day
Today marks the second-last day of the election cycle, which consists of eight components:
- Registration of voters
- General Update of the Voters' register
- Voter Education
- Display of the National Voters' Register
- Nomination of Candidates
- Campaign meetings
- Polling Day
- Declaration of results
7.00am: Time to wake up!
Hello and good morning. It is the 18th day of February 2016 and what an important day for Uganda!
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome along to live text commentary of Uganda's 2016 general elections, a day I am sure you, who is reading this now, have been waiting for.
Let's get started!
Butime set to bounce back in Kyenjojo