Uganda: Analysis of and reflection on the 2011 elections

This situation report provides an overview of the elections reflecting on the major concerns of the people of Uganda.

On 18 February 2011, Uganda held its second presidential election since the introduction of a multiparty system in 2005. The incumbent president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, was re-elected for another five-year term in a hotly contested election. Museveni has led the people of Uganda for the last 25 years, having been in power since 26 January 1986. The election campaign, though generally peaceful, was termed by various observers and the opposition as having been characterised by voter bribery, uneven campaigning opportunities, intimidation through the use of state security forces, unprecedented extravagance on the part of the ruling party and vote rigging. Museveni won a fourth term with more than a two-thirds majority, garnering 68,38 per cent of the vote. His long-time political rival, Dr Kizza Besigye, managed second place with 26,00 per cent of the vote. Museveni’s re-election gives him the opportunity to become one of the longest-serving presidents in Africa, provided he completes his term successfully. The elections also attracted a higher number of presidential candidates than previously. The Uganda Electoral Commission (UEC) cleared eight candidates to contest the presidency, compared to five in the 2006 elections.  

Authors: Kenneth Mpyisi and Victoria Mwirichia