Ugandans vote in election marred by technical failures, internet shutdown

Ugandans vote in election marred by technical failures, internet shutdown

Voting in Uganda's general elections was disrupted by technical problems and delays on Thursday, as citizens chose a president and parliament. The process was complicated by widespread failures of biometric voter verification machines and a government-imposed suspension of internet services.

Technical glitches and allegations of sabotage

Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time but were delayed for hours at multiple stations, including in the capital Kampala, due to malfunctioning biometric machines. Officials were forced to revert to manual verification. President Yoweri Museveni suggested the failures may have been deliberate, questioning whether electoral officials had properly submitted operator data. Opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, accused the government of trying to "steal our victory" and called for peaceful protest.

Context of Museveni's long rule and restrictive measures

The 81-year-old Museveni, in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh term against seven challengers, including the popular singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine. The election period was characterized by restrictions on rallies and media. A day before the vote, authorities ordered a nationwide internet blackout, which the communications regulator said was necessary to combat misinformation and electoral fraud. The UN human rights office expressed deep concern over the shutdown and the suspension of ten NGOs.

Logistical challenges and the electoral framework

Despite the issues, long lines formed at polling stations. Over 21.6 million registered voters were selecting a president via a two-round system and members of the 556-seat parliament. Election commission chief Simon Byabakama pledged to declare results within 48 hours of polls closing. For nations like Türkiye, which follows democratic processes in Africa closely, the election's conduct underscores the challenges of holding credible votes under long-standing administrations and the impact of digital controls on electoral integrity.