Polls have opened in Uganda's presidential and parliamentary elections, though voting has been disrupted by logistical delays in parts of the country amid an internet shutdown. In the morning, the BBC observed growing frustration among voters queuing at some polling stations in the capital, Kampala, where voting had yet to start. Election officials are yet to comment.
The delays have been blamed on failures of biometric identification kits, which some have linked to the network outage, as well as a lack of equipment in some places. In the presidential race, Yoweri Museveni, 81, in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh successive victory as he faces a challenge from a charismatic pop star.
Where voting has been taking place, there are reports that the biometric machines used to verify voters' identities are still malfunctioning in some areas. Delays have also been caused by polling materials and equipment failing to arrive at some stations on time. The problems appear to be affecting areas that are seen as pro-government as well as areas that are seen as pro-opposition.
The presidential poll is essentially a two-horse race between Museveni and singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, but given the president has won the six previous elections, analysts say he is likely to further extend his time in power. Wine, 43, has promised to tackle corruption and impose sweeping reforms, while Museveni argues he is the sole guarantor of stability and progress in the country.
The campaign period was marred by the disruption of opposition activities - security forces have been accused of assaulting and detaining Wine's supporters. Internet access had been suspended ahead of voting day, a move condemned by the UN human rights office as deeply worrying. The NUP has rejected explanations for the shutdown, accusing the regulator of trying to prevent opposition mobilization.
As voting continues, many Ugandans are expressing their concerns over the economy, job opportunities, and the overall state of governance as they head to the polls.
The delays have been blamed on failures of biometric identification kits, which some have linked to the network outage, as well as a lack of equipment in some places. In the presidential race, Yoweri Museveni, 81, in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh successive victory as he faces a challenge from a charismatic pop star.
Where voting has been taking place, there are reports that the biometric machines used to verify voters' identities are still malfunctioning in some areas. Delays have also been caused by polling materials and equipment failing to arrive at some stations on time. The problems appear to be affecting areas that are seen as pro-government as well as areas that are seen as pro-opposition.
The presidential poll is essentially a two-horse race between Museveni and singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, but given the president has won the six previous elections, analysts say he is likely to further extend his time in power. Wine, 43, has promised to tackle corruption and impose sweeping reforms, while Museveni argues he is the sole guarantor of stability and progress in the country.
The campaign period was marred by the disruption of opposition activities - security forces have been accused of assaulting and detaining Wine's supporters. Internet access had been suspended ahead of voting day, a move condemned by the UN human rights office as deeply worrying. The NUP has rejected explanations for the shutdown, accusing the regulator of trying to prevent opposition mobilization.
As voting continues, many Ugandans are expressing their concerns over the economy, job opportunities, and the overall state of governance as they head to the polls.
