Ugandans to vote in election expected to extend Museveni's four-decade rule

"Ugandans are preparing to vote in an election that is expected to result in Yoweri Museveni extending his nearly four-decade grip on power in the east African country, after a campaign beset by violence. Security forces have frequently clamped down on supporters of Museveni's main opponent, Bobi Wine, by teargassing and shooting bullets at events and detaining people. Authorities have also arrested civil society members and suspended rights groups."

"On Tuesday, they shut down internet access and limited mobile phone services countrywide. The actions have prompted fears of unrest around the polls, similar to the violence that followed the general election in Tanzania in October when hundreds of people were killed. Observers say the government's reaction shows the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), is facing its biggest test yet, and the election risks further dividing Uganda."

"Museveni became Uganda's ninth president in 1986 after leading rebels in a five-year civil war. He led the country to economic growth and democratic change after years of political decay by autocratic governments. But hopes of enduring change dwindled amid accusations of corruption, authoritarianism, repression and curtailment of judicial independence. Critics have also condemned his extended stay in office, achieved by using tactics to lengthen his term indefinitely including by twice changing the constitution."

Ugandans are preparing to vote in an election expected to keep Yoweri Museveni in power after a campaign marked by violence. Security forces have repeatedly clamped down on supporters of Museveni's main opponent, Bobi Wine, using teargas, live ammunition at events, detentions, and arrests of civil society members. Authorities suspended rights groups and shut down internet and mobile phone services nationwide, prompting fears of unrest around the polls. Observers say the ruling National Resistance Movement faces its biggest test and that the election risks further dividing the country. Museveni seeks a seventh term amid long-standing accusations of corruption, authoritarianism, repression and constitutional changes to extend his rule.

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