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Voting delays frustrate Ugandans amid technical failures
Ugandans encountered widespread disruptions during Thursday's presidential and parliamentary elections, with delays of up to four hours reported across the country. The electoral commission attributed the problems to malfunctioning biometric voter verification kits, some linked to an ongoing internet shutdown.
Biometric kits fail, polling materials arrive late
In Kampala, voters expressed anger as polling stations opened late or not at all. Kaweesi Ismail, a voter in the capital, told the BBC: "I'm angry because I have not voted up to now. We were meant to start at seven, but up to now [08:00] we haven't started. The ballot papers are not even there."
Some voters abandoned queues after hours of waiting, while others persisted despite the technical issues. The problems affected both opposition strongholds and pro-government areas.
Museveni and Wine cast ballots amid irregularities
President Yoweri Museveni, seeking a seventh term after 38 years in power, voted in his home village of Rwakitura in western Uganda. He acknowledged difficulties with the biometric machines but downplayed concerns, saying: "I put my thumbprint on the machine but it did not accept it. However, my face was accepted instantly. The machine works."
His main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine-real name Robert Kyagulanyi-alleged widespread irregularities in a post on X, claiming the biometric kits "have failed everywhere" and accusing authorities of arresting his agents. Wine, a 43-year-old pop star turned politician, has promised to tackle corruption if elected.
Election commission responds to disruptions
Simon Byabakama, head of Uganda's electoral commission, ordered polling officials to use the national voters' register where biometric machines failed. He assured that all registered voters in line by 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) would be allowed to cast ballots, though the commission did not confirm whether polling hours would be extended.
The commission previously announced results would be declared by 16:00 on Saturday.
Internet shutdown raises concerns over transparency
Uganda's Communications Commission cut internet access on Tuesday, citing the need to prevent misinformation and violence. The UN human rights office condemned the move as "deeply worrying," while Wine's National Unity Platform (NUP) accused authorities of suppressing opposition mobilization.
To counter the blackout, Wine's party launched an offline app called Bitchat, which uses Bluetooth to share voting data and images of results forms without internet access.
Campaign marred by violence and repression
The election period has been marked by clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. Amnesty International described the crackdown as "a brutal campaign of repression," citing arrests, tear gas, and beatings at Wine's rallies. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke dismissed the allegations, accusing NUP supporters of disrupting public order.
Museveni, a former guerrilla leader, has benefited from constitutional changes removing term and age limits, enabling his prolonged rule. Analysts predict he will likely win again, though Wine has vowed to challenge any results he deems fraudulent.
Economic woes dominate voter concerns
With 75% of Uganda's population under 30, unemployment and economic inequality remain top issues. While average incomes are rising, job scarcity, poor infrastructure, and unequal access to education and healthcare have fueled discontent.
Eight candidates are vying for the presidency, but the race remains a two-horse contest between Museveni and Wine. Voters are also electing 353 parliamentary seats.
