Uganda's Museveni holds final rally ahead of Thursday elections

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni held his final campaign rally in the capital Kampala on Tuesday.

Thousands walked to Kololo National Ceremonial Gardens for the rally.

Despite a heavy security presence, the large crowd attended the colourful procession featuring a life-size mascot of Museveni that waved mechanically at the cheering supporters.

Much of the crowd wore yellow t-shirts emblazoned with Museveni's face and slogan, "Protecting the gains".

Drina, 18, a stall vendor selling the t-shirts, as well as replicas of Museveni's trademark wide-brimmed hat, said they were going for roughly 10,000 Ugandan shillings ($3) and that she had sold ten so far.

President Museveni will compete against opposition politician Bobi Wine, 43, on Thursday, January 15.

The presidential candidates faced off in the previous election in 2021, with Wine coming second with 35% of the vote, behind Museveni's 58%.