#UgandaDecides is the hashtag dedicated to Uganda’s forthcoming election on 18th February 2016.

One thing is for sure, Ugandans have a fantastic sense of humour.

I’ve just been rereading a few of my posts written before and during Uganda’s Presidential elections of 2010 in which I wrote that apparently “it is illegal to create an effigy in the image of a candidate.”

Someone needs to tell this one!

Effigy of Dr Kizza Besigye waving the traffic on at Mulungu, Kampala, last week. Opposition presidential candidate Besigye heads the FDC. Will he finally get to beat President Museveni this election?

Someone needs to tell this one too!

Effigy of President Yowei Museveni, giving his trademark thumbs-up to passers-by in Kasese. Can anyone beat President Museveni? (and can anyone explain the buses drawn on his jacket lapels?)

If “it’s illegal to cover your number plate with a candidate’s election poster” it would be pretty safe to assume that covering up a road sign and risking road traffic accidents might also be illegal!

Man cycles towards Kasese. The whole area was plastered in the NRM party’s trademark yellow for the impending visit of their leader

Some people are concerned about Uganda’s security in the lead up to the elections, during the elections or even after the elections, but so far it’s all pretty much passed me by. Foreign travel advisories are notoriously cautious. (They’re hardly talking about the Uganda I know). Conversations with journalists, a candidate and business contacts suggest Uganda will be business as usual, bar the odd scuffle.

Our trip upcountry a few weeks ago was quite interesting however, as we drove through Fort Portal the day before the President was due to arrive there. Bright yellow National Resistance Movement T-shirts and placards were much in evidence.

Thanks to blog reader Josef for telling me the significance of the NRM’s yellow bus! Uganda elections 2016 #UgandaDecides

“If truth is the first casualty of war,” then what might be the truth behind these pictures doing the rounds on social media?

#UgandaDecides counting Uganda shillings. 50,000 UGX notes – currently worth about $15 or £10

#UgandaDecides young girl counting Uganda shillings. The brown 50,000 UGX notes are currently worth about $15 or £10

Although people say that votes exchange hands for Uganda shillings, washing powder or even soap, I find these photographs just a little bit too stage managed…

Also trying to stir things up a bit… ? Our friends in Kenya shared some pictures of brand-new military hardware fresh off the cargo ships in Mombasa.

NTV Kenya broadcast photos of some rather big Uganda Police vehicles being offloaded at Mombasa Port for onward delivery to Uganda #UgandaDecides

There was considerable extra security on the streets before during and after the last elections. Their presence was highly obvious, yet relaxed.

Makindye Mayor Dr Ian Clarke  – known as ‘Busuulwa’ – canvasing local-style during elections to become MP for the Bukasa area of Makindye Division, Kampala

Dr Ian Clarke ‘Busuulwa’ first came to Uganda as a missionary almost 30 years ago. He is popular with the local electorate for his good service delivery record. The boda boda drivers of Makindye love him! I enjoyed following Ian’s progress as he was voted Mayor at the last election. See blog post below from 2010

Erection* fever

There’s a lot of talk about the elections.

Let’s hope things go smoothly.

For an interesting assessment, read the East African newspaper’s ’10 key issues where Uganda election will be won or lost going by recent trends.’

I’ll be around. I have no plans to travel anywhere.

I quite enjoyed being in Kampala at Christmas after everyone else had gone to the village!

See you on the other side of the elections, folks!

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