Democracy test as Uganda decides

A great showdown is expected as Ugandans vote in a hotly contested presidential election today pitting the incumbent, Yoweri Museveni in power since 1986, against a motley of opposition politicians led by Kizza Besigye. Mr Museveni came to power when most of those who will vote in tomorrow's election were not yet born. Nearly 28 million of the 35 million Ugandans, according to official 2014 census figures, are aged 30 and below. No one else for sure knows whether if Ugandans had a choice, Mr Museveni's name would be on the ballot. But the choice has been Mr Museveni's.

Uganda remains the only country in East Africa that is yet to embrace presidential term limits after Mr Museveni orchestrated a change in the Constitution in 2005. Ironically, Mr Museveni wrote in 1988: "The problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people, but leaders who want to overstay in power." He was right, research shows that in countries that hold regular elections, key economic indicators are positive and life is generally better.

A section of Uganda's 2016 elections presidential candidates. A great showdown is expected as Ugandans vote in a hotly contested presidential election today pitting the incumbent, Yoweri Museveni in power since 1986, against a motley of opposition politicians led by Kizza Besigye. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

In Uganda, police intimidation has been used to subjugate the opposition. Dr Besigye of the Forum for Democratic Change, never had the opportunity to sell his policies in previous elections as he was constantly in prison on trumped-up charges. In fact, he lost three elections. His arrest on Monday dampened the hope of free and fair elections. The other candidate, Amama Mbabazi, has had his fair share of run-ins with the authorities.

But going by the raucous campaigns, it is easy to conclude that Mr Museveni will not have it easy this time round. After 30 years of one man at the top, opposition rallies are teeming with mammoth crowds hankering for an alternative. The feeling that Uganda is adrift is ever growing. And that is why this election matters to Kenya. Uganda remains Kenya's biggest export market worth Sh70 billion.

Yet despite his shortcomings, Mr Museveni is largely responsible for Uganda’s stability and economic progress after years of civil war. Most importantly, he fought off the spread of the dreaded HIV virus. Yet he has to prove that he still remains the best option 30 years on as Uganda decides.