Ugandans woke up on Thursday to vote for the next President of the country amidst a blanket internet blackout enforced a day before.
The Uganda Communications Commission said internet shutdown was necessary to curb “misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks”.
However, the UN Human Rights Office said, “open access to communication and information is key to free and genuine elections”.
More than 21.6 million voters are registered for the election.
Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni under the National Resistance Movement flag is expected to win the vote despite a spirited challenger Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform political party.
Museveni who cast his vote from remote countryside home in Rwakitura in Western Uganda told reporters after casting his ballot that he expected to win 80% of the vote “if there’s no cheating”
According to emerging reports, some polling stations did not open on time because biometric voter verification machines were not working. Museveni said the cause of this was being looked into.
Meanwhile, David Lewis Rubongoya of Uganda’s opposition National Unity Platform condemned the government for widespread voting delays. “Everything they are doing is a sham and it is deliberate.”
