Wealthy Ugandans, Officials Flee Ahead of 2026 Polls, Fearing Election Violence
A growing sense of apprehension is gripping Uganda’s elite, with reports indicating that wealthy citizens and senior government officials are quietly moving their families abroad or altering their plans ahead of the 2026 general elections, citing fears of potential political violence.
According to information gathered by the Ritah Kaggwa Blog, the exodus is driven by escalating rhetoric and threats from both security commanders in government and opposition leadership. This has created a widespread belief among the affluent that the electoral period may become dangerously unstable.
One of the most telling signs is the intervention by parents, including top officials, with international schools. Many are formally requesting that school authorities delay the January 2026 reopening until after the election cycle is complete. Their aim is to ensure their children remain safely overseas throughout the potentially volatile period.
“We have been told that most of them stopped their children who are studying in the United States of America and Canada from coming back for holidays until the elections are done,” the blog reported. This precautionary measure highlights the depth of concern among the country’s powerful and moneyed class.
Sources at Entebbe International Airport have observed a noticeable increase in well-off Ugandans, particularly government officials and corporate leaders, travelling abroad with tickets indicating a long stay of more than two months. This trend suggests planned relocations for the duration of the election process, rather than short-term trips.
The fear is not limited to those aligned with the opposition. Notably, former senior operative and vocal government defender Charles Rwomushana has retreated to his Rwenshama home village in Western Uganda. He is reportedly camping there and may be absent from his regular appearances on NBS TV’s political talk shows for several weeks due to concerns for his safety. His departure underscores that the anxiety crosses political lines.
Other affluent families from western regions used the Christmas holiday to travel to their home villages and are planning to remain there, only returning to the capital, Kampala, after the elections conclude.
The emerging narrative points to a significant loss of confidence in a peaceful electoral process among Uganda’s upper echelons. The move to secure families abroad is being viewed by many as the most viable strategy to guarantee their safety, as the nation braces for what is anticipated to be a highly contentious election season.
About The Author
