Voting in Uganda's general election faced delays across the country due to technical and logistical challenges, occurring amidst an internet shutdown and increased restrictions on opposition activities. Polling stations in Kampala, the capital, and Jinja, a city in eastern Uganda, remained closed nearly two hours after the scheduled start time on Thursday.

Local reports indicated that some polling stations had not received ballot papers, and biometric machines designed to verify voter identities malfunctioned. These machines, intended to streamline the voting process and prevent fraud by digitally confirming each voter's identity against a national database, experienced widespread operational failures. The delays sparked concern among voters gathered at polling stations.

The election takes place against a backdrop of heightened political tension, with incumbent President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his nearly 40-year rule. The campaign leading up to the election was marred by violence and accusations of government suppression of dissent. The internet shutdown, implemented on the eve of the election, raised concerns about transparency and the ability of citizens to access information. Critics argue that restricting internet access hinders independent monitoring of the electoral process and limits the ability of voters to share information about potential irregularities.

The biometric voter verification system, while intended to improve election integrity, relies on a stable power supply and robust network connectivity. The failure of these machines highlights the challenges of implementing technology in environments with unreliable infrastructure. The lack of backup systems and contingency plans exacerbated the delays, leaving many voters unable to cast their ballots.

The Electoral Commission has yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the specific causes of the technical failures and the steps being taken to resolve them. As of Thursday afternoon, efforts were underway to distribute remaining ballot papers and repair or replace malfunctioning biometric machines. The election's outcome is expected to have significant implications for Uganda's political future and its relationship with international partners.