Polling stations in multiple parts of Uganda remained closed nearly two hours after voting was scheduled to begin on Thursday, according to AFP journalists and local sources.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, is seeking to extend his 40-year rule amid an internet shutdown and a heavy police presence targeting opposition supporters. He faces a significant challenge from singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, 43.
Reporters in Kampala and the border city of Jinja noted that several polling centers had not yet opened by 9:00 am (0600 GMT). Voters reported that ballot papers had not been delivered, and biometric machines used for voter verification were malfunctioning.
“Nobody is here to tell us what is happening,” said Abuza Monica Christine, a 56-year-old businesswoman in central Jinja. “It is deliberate. This is a stronghold of the opposition.”
However, similar issues were reported in central Kampala, areas not traditionally aligned with the opposition.
“The biometric machines are not working, so we don’t know what’s going on,” said Katomgole Juma, a 48-year-old artisan waiting to vote under a large poster of President Museveni in Kampala. “Of course, I am worried. People will be upset because they won’t be certain of the result.”
In a poorer neighborhood, considered a stronghold of Bobi Wine, residents expressed frustration after hours of waiting.
“I’ve been waiting for three hours without any reason given,” said Tony Kaweesi, 21. “We want to live in a country where the rule of law is followed. I’m feeling very tired, almost losing the morale to vote.”
A ruling party official told AFP that some biometric machines were not functioning, and uncertainty remained about whether internet issues were contributing to the problem. “We have not got any information from the electoral commission,” the official added.
As the morning progressed, delays raised concerns about the smooth conduct of Uganda’s highly contested presidential election and the transparency of the process.
