More than 21 million Ugandans registered to vote in presidential and parliamentary elections that opened Thursday, though voting was disrupted by logistical delays in many parts of the country amid an internet shutdown. Voters in parts of the capital, Kampala, found polling stations still not open an hour after voting was due to start. The electoral agency apologized for the "technical glitches" and said officials were working to resolve them, according to Reuters.
The delays were 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. The BBC observed growing frustration among voters queuing at some polling stations in Kampala, where voting had yet to start.
Incumbent Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh successive victory. He faces a challenge from Bobi Wine, a charismatic pop star whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
Where voting took place, reports indicated that the biometric machines used to verify voters' identities malfunctioned. The electoral agency has not yet released information about the extent of the malfunctions or their impact on voter turnout.
The election is taking place against a backdrop of concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process. Opposition candidates have alleged intimidation and harassment by security forces. The government has defended its actions, saying they are necessary to maintain law and order.
The internet shutdown, which began on the eve of the election, has drawn condemnation from rights groups and international observers. Critics argue that the shutdown undermines the ability of voters to access information and communicate with each other. Sammy Awami of BBC Africa reported from Kampala on the widespread delays and frustration among voters.
The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Uganda's political future. Museveni's continued rule would extend his already long tenure, while a victory for Wine would represent a major shift in the country's political landscape. Wycliffe Muia of AFP contributed to reporting on the election.
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