Authoritarianism and Discontent Loom as Uganda Approaches 2026 Elections - By Wabusimba Amiri.

Once hailed as the "Pearl of Africa" by Winston Churchill for its splendid weather and abundant natural resources, Uganda is now frequently associated with civil unrest and widespread protests. Recent census data reveals a population exceeding 46 million, and the government is grappling with increasing discontent fueled by authoritarian measures. As the 2026 general elections draw near, these tensions are expected to escalate. Uganda's political turmoil casts a long shadow over its rich history and natural beauty, with significant unrest, particularly during election periods.

The protests are not limited to political grievances alone; they also extend to business owners, unemployed youth, health workers, teachers, and lorry drivers, highlighting systemic issues that the government has yet to address effectively. The frequent demonstrations this year hint at potential turbulence during the upcoming elections. Moreover, the president's frequent changes in security appointments are widely viewed as attempts to consolidate power rather than genuine efforts to address the root causes of the unrest.

Uganda's infrastructure development is uneven, with noticeable disparities between urban and rural areas. Roads, essential for economic activity and regional connectivity, are often in poor condition. According to the Uganda National Roads Authority, 70% of the country's roads are unpaved, complicating transportation, particularly during the rainy season. The government should prioritize building and maintaining all-weather roads to support trade and mobility. Agriculture, which employs about 70% of Ugandans, is the backbone of the economy but suffers from inefficiencies and outdated practices. Smallholder farmers lack access to modern techniques, quality seeds, and fertilizers. Government agricultural policies often face criticism for poor implementation and failing to meet farmers' needs. Programs like Operation Wealth Creation need reforms for transparency and effectiveness. Providing farmers with training, affordable inputs, and market access can increase productivity, enhance food security, and reduce poverty.

Health workers, despite their crucial role, frequently protest over issues such as deployment, wages, working conditions, and supply shortages. To improve the health sector, the government should increase the health budget to meet the Abuja Declaration's recommendation of 15% of the national budget, ensuring better pay, adequate supplies, and improved facilities. Expanding training programs can help address the shortage of healthcare providers.

The business community is concerned about Uganda Revenue Authority taxes and the dominance of foreign investors in the distribution and hawking sectors, which undermines local businesses and entrepreneurship. Uganda's legal and regulatory framework is often criticized for being opaque and inconsistent, with selective law enforcement eroding trust. Land disputes highlight these issues, with powerful entities manipulating the legal system. Reforming the legal system to ensure transparency, accountability, and consistency is crucial. Protests in Uganda, especially in major supply towns, disrupt local economies and affect neighboring countries that rely on Uganda as a transit route, leading to tax losses and economic instability. With a youth unemployment rate of 13.3%, one of the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, political disillusionment and unrest are significant.

As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, addressing the concerns of health workers, business owners, and the general populace requires a multifaceted approach. Decentralizing decision-making and empowering local authorities could help mitigate unrest. If issues like corruption, poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and outdated agricultural practices aren't addressed, the elections could exacerbate tensions. The government's reactive rather than proactive approach to protests, combined with insufficient anti-corruption efforts, underscores the need for comprehensive strategies. Transparency International ranks Uganda 142nd out of 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index.

Implementing anti-corruption strategies, enhancing transparency, and promoting good governance practices are essential. Uganda must shift from a state of protests to one of stability, development, and prosperity by improving infrastructure, revitalizing agriculture, enhancing healthcare, reforming fiscal policies, and strengthening the legal framework. Proactive measures to address citizens' grievances are crucial as the 2026 elections approach. Failure to do so could escalate unrest, undermining the country's stability and development.

The author is.
Diplomatic Student, Journalist, political analyst and Human Right activist.