"Uganda is on edge as polls have opened, with President Yoweri Museveni expected to extend his four-decade rule amid a police crackdown on the opposition, fears of violence and an internet shutdown. The East African nation is holding a contentious general election on Thursday after a Ugandan government regulatory body instructed mobile network operators to block public internet access, starting on Tuesday evening."
"More than 21.6 million voters have registered for the election. In a country where 70 percent of people are under age 35, high unemployment is a key issue for first-time voters. The local Daily Monitor newspaper ran a full-page on how to election-proof your home, advising citizens to reinforce doors and windows and designate a safe room in case of unrest."
Uganda held a contentious general election with heavy security and an internet shutdown after a government regulatory body ordered mobile network operators to block public internet access starting Tuesday evening. Polling stations were slow to open but voting was underway shortly after 7am in at least one Kampala suburb. There were heavy police and army patrols in Jinja. More than 21.6 million voters registered; 70 percent of the population is under 35 and high unemployment is a major concern for first-time voters. The United Nations Human Rights Office said open access to communication and information is key to free, genuine elections. President Yoweri Museveni faces challenger Bobi Wine amid arrests and a long-running crackdown.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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