Uganda goes to the polls amid heavy security and internet blackout

"The vote is taking place under an internet blackout and a heavy military presence. Hundreds of activists have been detained, and journalists and human rights groups face restrictions, measures the government calls necessary for security. On Tuesday, the Uganda Communications Commission told mobile operators and internet service providers that the blackout was imposed on the "strong recommendations" of security agencies."

"Millions of Ugandans are voting Thursday in a tense presidential election as 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his four-decade grip on power. Museveni, one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, faces a familiar challenger: 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, more widely known as Bobi Wine. This is a rematch of the 2021 election, when Museveni was declared the winner amid widespread allegations of fraud."

"For the seventh election in a row, Museveni's campaign has filled the streets of the capital, Kampala. At one of the final rallies before the vote, a marching band led thousands of supporters. Many wore yellow T-shirts and caps emblazoned with the insignia of the ruling National Resistance Movement and images of the octogenarian president. Addressing the crowd in his final rally on Tuesday, Museveni cut a weathered figure, listing achievements in infrastructure and security."

Millions of Ugandans are voting in a tense presidential election as 81-year-old Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his long rule. Museveni faces 43-year-old Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, in a rematch of 2021 when Museveni was declared the winner amid fraud allegations. The vote occurs under an internet blackout and heavy military presence; hundreds of activists have been detained and journalists and human rights groups face restrictions. The Uganda Communications Commission said the blackout followed 'strong recommendations' from security agencies and called it a precaution to ensure peace and protect national stability. Museveni's campaign filled Kampala streets with thousands wearing yellow movement insignia.

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