Voting is underway in Uganda. The people of Uganda head to the polls in a very tense political face-off that sees longtime President Yoweri Museveni contest against opposition frontrunner, Bobi Wine, a former pop star.
In the buildup to these elections, Uganda experienced some of the worst political violence in years, violence that claimed scores of lives. Security forces killed these people amid crackdowns on opposition rallies, and opposition leaders were repeatedly hunted down and intimidated.
The Police claimed that their actions are necessary to ensure compliance with COVID-19 restrictions.
Furthermore, access to the internet has been cut off. There are widespread fears that more violence could be brewing as security forces try to stop supporters of the opposition challenger from monitoring polling stations.
More than 18 million people of Uganda have reportedly registered to take part in the polls.
At polling stations in Kampala, reports have come in that voting commenced over an hour late after election materials did not arrive on time.
The law states that a candidate must win more than 50 per cent of the polls to avoid a runoff vote. The vote count will begin when polls close at 4 pm (2 pm WAT), and results are expected within 48 hours.
Museveni has wielded power since 1986 and is seeking a sixth term against a powerful challenge from Bobi Wine. Wine’s popularity among a youthful population has unsettled the 76-year-old former rebel leader. Nine other challengers are trying to unseat Museveni.