Polling stations have opened their doors for Uganda’s presidential and parliamentary elections, although voting was disrupted by logistical delays in parts of the country amid an internet shutdown.
In the morning, the BBC noted growing frustration among voters in some polling stations in the capital, Kampala, where voting was suspended. Election officials have not yet commented.
The delay was attributed to the failure of biometric identification kits, which some linked to network outages, as well as equipment shortages in some places.
In the presidential race, Yoweri Museveni (81 years old), who has been in power since 1986, is seeking to achieve his seventh consecutive victory, while facing a challenge from a pop star with a charismatic personality.
Voters in parts of the capital, Kampala, found that polling stations had not yet opened their doors an hour after the start of voting [Reuters]
In places where voting is taking place, there are reports that biometric devices used to verify voters’ identities are still not working in some areas.
A ruling party official told AFP, “Some biometric devices are not working. I don’t know if the reason is the Internet.”
Delays also resulted from voting materials and equipment not arriving at some centers on time.
“We arrived early at the polling station, but the voting equipment had not arrived yet,” one voter in Kampala told state-run UBC TV.
The problems appear to affect areas considered loyal to the government as well as areas considered loyal to the opposition.
The presidential election is essentially a race between Museveni and singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, but given the president’s wins in the previous six elections, analysts say he is likely to extend his stay in power.
Wine (43 years old) promised to tackle corruption and impose comprehensive reforms, while Museveni says he is the only guarantor of stability and progress in the country.
The election campaign period was marred by disruption of opposition activities, as security forces were accused of assaulting and detaining Wine’s supporters.
Police spokesman Ketuma Rusuke rejected these complaints and accused opposition supporters, especially those belonging to Wine’s National Unity Party, of carrying out acts of sabotage.
Internet access was suspended ahead of voting day, with the Uganda Communications Commission saying the power outage was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud and incitement to violence – a move the UN Human Rights Office condemned as “deeply worrying”.
The NUP has rejected this explanation, accusing the regulatory body of trying to prevent the opposition from mobilizing and sharing evidence of election fraud.
Museveni, the former leader of a guerrilla army, has benefited from two constitutional amendments – Removing presidential age and term limits – which allowed him to continue running for office.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, lost to the president in the 2021 elections. According to the Electoral Commission, he received 35% of the votes compared to Museveni, who received 59%, although Wine rejected the results, claiming fraud.
Besides Museveni-Wine, there are six other presidential candidates on the ballot papers this year.
Voters will also choose a new parliament with 353 seats.
For many who cast their ballots Thursday, the economy is the main issue.
The majority of the population is under 30 years old, and although average incomes are steadily rising, there are not enough job opportunities for all young people looking for work.
Biometric machines designed to verify voters’ identities malfunctioned in some areas [Reuters]
There are also concerns about poor infrastructure and disparities in access to quality education and healthcare.
During the election campaign period, opposition supporters faced escalating harassment, including arrest on politically motivated charges, according to both the United Nations and Amnesty International.
Security forces dispersed Wine’s rallies, unlike those organized by Museveni.
Amnesty International described the use of tear gas, pepper spray, beatings and other violence as a “brutal crackdown” ahead of the vote.
In addition, The head of Uganda’s electoral body told the BBC that he had received threats warning him not to announce certain results.
“Some people say if you don’t declare so-and-so president, you will see. I tell them I don’t donate votes,” Simon Byabakama said, vowing that only voters would decide who wins the election.
The 2021 elections were also marked by violence, with dozens of people killed in protests Security forces were responsible for at least some of these deathsA BBC investigation found.
Since Saturday, security measures have been tightened in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.
The officers walked in formation and conducted patrols, while armored vehicles were stationed in various locations.
Some Kampala residents have traveled to rural areas, saying they believe it is safer there during the election period.
One man told the BBC: “Since Ugandan elections are often violent, I decided to re-register my polling station in my village.” He wished to remain anonymous.
“I’m glad I made this decision, because as you can see now, there is a heavy and scary security presence in the city. So, while I will still vote in my village, I will also stay away from that security fear.”
Polls are due to close at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Thursday, although anyone on the waiting list at this time will be allowed to vote.
The Electoral Commission said that the result of the presidential vote will be announced at the same time on Saturday.
Additional reporting by Wedaeli Chibelushi
[BBC]
[Getty Images/BBC]
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