Ugandans began voting today in a presidential election where Yoweri Museveni is
going against Bobi wine and 9 other opposition presidential candidates.
One of the eleven candidates is a woman, Nancy Kalembe.
The incumbent President Yoweri Museveni has had 5elected terms so far. During
this election, 529 Members of Parliament will also be elected.
Registered voters in Uganda are close to 18 million.
As Ugandans cast their ballots in what observers consider one of the most
competitive elections in Uganda's political history, President Yoweri Museveni
confirmed that social media has been switched off ahead of the polls.
"The government has closed social media. This is unfortunate but it's unavoidable,"
Museveni said in a national address on Tuesday.
Police and soldiers have been patrolling the capital Kampala from morning where
delays were noted in polling stations.
Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, says he represents the country's
younger generation, while Yoweri Museveni, 76, says he is standing for the stability
of Uganda.
Scores have been killed when security forces cracked down on gatherings of
opposition supporters. Opposition candidates, supporters and campaign staff have
been repeatedly arrested.
The Ugandan government says it was stopping illegal gatherings during the COVID-
19 pandemic.
The opposition says the bans on rallies in some parts of Uganda are a smokescreen
for repression.
Polls are due to close at 5:00 pm but will remain open until everyone in the queue at
the time of closing has voted.
By JN Wamanji
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