Voting has begun in Uganda’s presidential and parliamentary elections, but the process has been hampered by widespread logistical challenges and an ongoing internet shutdown.
By 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT), voting had yet to start at several polling stations in the capital, Kampala, according to BBC observations—an hour after polls were scheduled to open. The delays have largely been attributed to malfunctioning biometric voter identification devices, problems some observers have linked to the network outage.
In areas where voting has commenced, reports indicate that biometric machines are still failing in certain locations. A ruling party official told AFP that some of the devices were not working and suggested the internet shutdown could be a factor. Additional delays were caused by the late arrival of voting materials and equipment at a number of polling stations.
One voter in Kampala told state broadcaster UBC TV that despite arriving early, voting could not begin because essential equipment had not yet been delivered. The disruptions appear to be affecting both government strongholds and opposition-leaning areas.
The presidential contest is largely seen as a two-man race between incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has been in power for nearly 40 years and is seeking a seventh consecutive term, and opposition candidate Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old pop star turned politician. While analysts expect Museveni to retain power, Wine has mounted a strong challenge, campaigning on promises to fight corruption and introduce major reforms. Museveni, on the other hand, maintains that his leadership ensures stability and development.
The campaign period was marked by tensions, with opposition activities frequently disrupted. Security forces have been accused of harassing, assaulting, and detaining supporters of Bobi Wine and his National Unity Platform (NUP) party. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke rejected these claims, instead accusing opposition supporters of causing disturbances.
Museveni, a former guerrilla leader, has been able to remain in office due to constitutional amendments that removed both age and term limits. In the 2021 elections, he officially won with 59% of the vote, while Wine secured 35%. Wine rejected the results, alleging electoral fraud.
In addition to the two frontrunners, six other candidates are contesting the presidency. Ugandans are also voting to elect a new parliament, with 353 seats available.
For many voters, economic concerns dominate the election. Uganda has a youthful population, with most citizens under 30, and while average incomes are rising, job opportunities remain limited. Voters have also raised concerns about inadequate infrastructure and unequal access to quality education and healthcare.
Human rights groups, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have reported escalating harassment of opposition supporters during the campaign, including arrests on what they describe as politically motivated charges. Amnesty has condemned the use of tear gas, pepper spray, beatings, and other violent tactics, describing them as a “brutal campaign of repression.”
The head of Uganda’s Electoral Commission, Simon Byabakama, told the BBC he had received threats aimed at influencing the outcome of the vote. He insisted that only voters would determine the results, stating he was “not in the business of donating votes.”
Uganda’s elections have a history of unrest. The 2012 polls were marred by violent protests in which dozens of people were killed, some at the hands of security forces, according to a BBC investigation.
Security has been significantly increased in Kampala since the weekend, with police patrols, marching officers, and armoured vehicles deployed across the city. Some residents have opted to travel to rural areas, believing them to be safer during the election period.
One voter told the BBC that he had re-registered to vote in his home village due to concerns about election-related violence in the city. He said the heavy security presence in Kampala was intimidating and confirmed he would remain in the village after voting.
Polling stations are scheduled to close at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT), though voters already in queues will be allowed to cast their ballots. The Electoral Commission has said the presidential election results are expected to be announced by the same time on Saturday.
