Voting started Thursday in Uganda as the presidential election kicks off amid a days-long internet shutdown and heightened security, raising concerns about transparency in a country where President Yoweri Museveni has held power since 1986.
Long lines formed outside polling stations as voting materials were delivered late in some areas, delaying the scheduled 7 a.m. opening. Despite the delays, crowds gathered, eager to cast their ballots in an election with roughly 21.6 million registered voters in a nation of 45 million people.
President Museveni, 81, faces seven challengers, including Robert Kyagulanyi, a musician-turned-politician widely known as Bobi Wine, who has campaigned on promises of political change. Museveni, speaking at his final campaign rally on Tuesday, urged citizens to vote in large numbers.
“You go and vote, anybody who tries to interfere with your freedom will be crushed. I am telling you this. We are ready to put an end to this indiscipline,” he said.
Uganda’s government shut down the internet on Tuesday, citing concerns over misinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement to violence. Critics, however, say the blackout is an anti-democratic measure that has disrupted everyday life, including banking and communications.
Ahead of Thursday’s voting, military units were deployed across the country, and the campaign period saw an increased security presence. Amnesty International has accused the security forces of a “brutal campaign of repression,” referencing a November 28 opposition rally in eastern Uganda where military personnel blocked exits and fired on supporters, killing one person.
The election has also seen restrictions on civil society, with several civic groups suspended during the campaign. That Group, a leading media watchdog, closed its office on Wednesday after the interior ministry alleged the organization was involved in activities “prejudicial to the security and laws of Uganda.”
The National Electoral Commission, led by Chairperson Simon Byabakama, has called on citizens to remain tolerant while voting. Polls are set to close at 4 p.m. Thursday, and results are constitutionally required to be announced within 48 hours.
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