Polls have opened in Uganda's presidential and parliamentary election, although voting has been disrupted by extensive logistical delays across the country amid an internet shutdown.
At 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT), the BBC observed that several polling stations in the capital, Kampala, were still inactive an hour after polls were meant to open. Space has been constrained by failures of biometric voter identification systems, some of which may be linked to the nationwide network outage.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81 years old and in power for nearly four decades, seeks a seventh consecutive election victory, challenging dynamic opposition from singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine.
The presidential race appears highly competitive, especially given the reported failures of biometric identification kits, which have been causing delays in various locations. Voter frustrations are evident, with reports stating polling materials have also been slow to arrive at many sites.
Despite government assurances, voter access has been hampered by the pre-election internet blackout, described by the UN's human rights office as deeply worrying. In contrast, the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Wine, has criticized the internet suspension as a tactic to quell opposition.
Bobi Wine has risen significantly in popularity, with promises to address corruption and reform governance. The campaign leading up to election day saw rising violence against opposition supporters. Observers deem that, barring significant changes in circumstances, Museveni is likely poised to retain power.
Security measures have been substantial, with fortified police presence throughout urban areas, giving rise to fears of potential violence during and after the voting period. As polls are set to close later in the day, any voter still in line by that time will still be granted the opportunity to cast their ballot.
