Ugandans begin voting to elect President

Ugandans on Thursday queued to cast their ballots in the presidential election, following a run-up tainted by widespread violence that some fear could escalate as security forces try to stop supporters of leading opposition challenger Bobi Wine from monitoring polling stations.

Wine, a popular young singer-turned-opposition lawmaker, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and nine others are challenging incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has wielded power since 1986 and is seeking a sixth term.

The vote count will begin when polls close at 4 p.m. and results are expected within 48 hours.

More than 17 million people have registered to vote, and a candidate must win more than 50% to avoid a runoff.

Meanwhile, internet access was cut on Wednesday night.

“No matter what they do, the world is watching,” Wine tweeted.

Olajumoke Adeleke