Ugandans Head to Polls in High-Stakes Presidential Election

Polling stations across Uganda are experiencing high voter turnout as citizens cast their ballots in a tense presidential election. The results will determine whether President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for nearly four decades, will extend his rule or hand over leadership to a new president.

The election is taking place amid an internet shutdown and delays in the delivery of voting materials at some polling stations.

President Museveni, 81, is facing seven challengers, including Robert Kyagulanyi, a popular musician-turned-politician known as Bobi Wine, who has campaigned on a platform of political change. Voters are also selecting more than 500 members of parliament.

A total of 21.6 million Ugandans were registered to vote. Polling is scheduled to close at 4 p.m. local time, with preliminary results expected within 48 hours.

The government imposed an indefinite internet blackout starting Tuesday, citing concerns over the spread of “misinformation” and “incitement to violence.”