‘We are stuck’: Young Ugandans want stability, opportunities on eve of vote

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Briefing Summary

AI-generated

NEWSAR · AI

On the eve of Uganda's presidential election on January 14, 2026, the country faces tension and a partial shutdown, including suspended internet access. Young Ugandans, who comprise over 70% of the population, express frustration over the shutdown's impact on communication and economic opportunities. Many, like 27-year-old Marvin Masole, rely on the internet for work and feel marginalized by the current leadership. The election sees 81-year-old Yoweri Museveni seeking a seventh term after nearly four decades in power, a point of contention for a youthful population seeking change. Over 21.6 million voters are registered for the election.

Confidence 0.90Sources 1Claims 5Entities 6

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Article analysis

Model · rule-based

Framing

Political Strategy

Economic Impact

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AI-assessed

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0.70 / 1.00

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Key claims

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More than 21.6 million voters have registered for Thursday’s election.

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Without internet, we are stuck.

quoteMarvin Masole

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The national communications authority has suspended public internet access.

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More than 70 percent of Uganda's population is under the age of 35.

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Yoweri Museveni, now 81, is seeking a seventh term after nearly four decades in power.

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Full report

2 min read · 339 words

Tension as 81-year-old Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his four-decade rule in a country where 70 percent of people are under age 35.Published On 14 Jan 2026Kampala, Uganda – It’s the eve of Uganda’s highly contested presidential election, and the country is partially shut down.The national communications authority has suspended public internet access, the sale and registration of new SIM cards, and outbound roaming services.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3‘Protect the vote’: Bobi Wine, opposition brace for tense Uganda electionlist 2 of 3Uganda, Elections & the Internetlist 3 of 3Uganda faces mounting calls to end internet blackout before electionsend of listOn the streets of the capital city, the move has triggered anger and frustration — especially among young people who rely heavily on the internet for work, communication, and opportunity.Marvin Masole says he mostly uses WhatsApp to communicate and to do business.The 27-year-old university graduate has tried repeatedly to find a job — and failed.Frustrated, he is now looking for opportunities abroad.“Many of us use WhatsApp. Without internet, we are stuck,” he tells Al Jazeera.“There are people out there earning money online. I feel if we had a youthful president, he would not have authorised the shutdown. He is marginalising us.”Masole is gathered with friends at a food stall in downtown Kampala. The group share a famous “Rolex” – a chapati rolled with egg – a popular street delicacy in Uganda.The oldest person among them is 37 years old. Most are in their 20s.This mirrors the national average – more than 70 percent of the country is under the age of 35.But for decades, this youthfulness has not been reflected in the upper echelons of power.For all their lives, Masole and his friends have known only one president — Yoweri Museveni, now 81, who is seeking a seventh term after nearly four decades in power.Opposition supporters in Uganda attend a campaign rally at Aga Khan Grounds in Kampala, Uganda, Monday, January 12, 2026 [Samson Otieno/AP]Tension and uncertaintyMore than 21.6 million voters have registered for Thursday’s election.

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