‘Suspend Travel Now’: Kenyan Officials Issue Urgent Warning Over Uganda Election Fallout
Kenyans planning to cross into Uganda through the Busia and Malaba border points have been advised to temporarily suspend their travel plans amid growing security concerns following Uganda’s general election.
Busia County Commissioner Stephen Orinda issued the advisory on Friday, January 16, 2026, citing fears of possible unrest as Uganda awaits the announcement of its final presidential election results after voting took place on Thursday, January 15.
Speaking to journalists at his office, Orinda urged residents and travellers to exercise restraint and avoid non-essential movement into Uganda until the political situation stabilises.
“We are asking Kenyans to be cautious. We saw what happened to Kenyans in Tanzania during their elections, and we lost lives on that side,” Orinda warned.
The county commissioner’s remarks come amid reports of widespread disruption within Uganda, with travellers returning to Kenya describing roadblocks, communication blackouts, and prolonged delays along major transport routes.
One Kenyan traveller arriving from Kampala told reporters that the situation had become chaotic, claiming that mobile communication networks were shut down and that voters were moving from house to house amid heightened tension.
Another traveller recounted spending more than 12 hours at the border, saying a journey that typically takes three hours stretched overnight from 6pm on Thursday.
The warning also evokes memories of the deadly post-election violence in Tanzania in October 2025, during which at least two Kenyans were confirmed killed and several others injured.
Among the victims was John Ogutu, a 33-year-old Kenyan teacher who was reportedly shot by police in Dar es Salaam on October 29, with his body yet to be recovered. Another Kenyan, Albert Kamala, was allegedly arrested in Moshi on election day and later found dead. Two additional Kenyans were critically injured by gunfire near the Namanga border.
Human rights organisations estimated that between 700 and 3,000 people were killed during Tanzania’s post-election crackdown, although official figures released by authorities were significantly lower.
Uganda itself has faced sustained criticism from rights groups following years of political repression, particularly during election periods. Hundreds of opposition supporters have been arrested in recent campaigns, while prominent opposition figures including Dr Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) have repeatedly been detained.
Besigye has remained in custody for over a year since late 2024 on what supporters describe as politically motivated charges.
Orinda stressed that Kenyan authorities were maintaining heightened vigilance along the border.
“We are on high alert. If there is any security concern, we expect timely communication so that we can take appropriate action,” he said.
Provisional results released by the Uganda Electoral Commission at the time of publication showed President Yoweri Museveni leading with 75.38 per cent, while opposition challenger Bobi Wine stood at 20.71 per cent.
International bodies have also raised alarm. On January 9, 2026, the United Nations warned against the use of violence against protesters, saying repression and impunity had become entrenched in Uganda since the 2021 elections, alongside restrictions on free speech and the right to protest.
Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities confirmed that they previously secured the release of at least eight Kenyan citizens detained in Tanzania following the 2025 elections, although some remained in custody facing various charges by the end of the year.
Orinda reassured residents of Busia that security patrols have been intensified at all official crossing points to safeguard Kenyans during the sensitive post-election period.
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‘Suspend Travel Now’: Kenyan Officials Issue Urgent Warning Over Uganda Election Fallout