World

Uganda goes to the polls in presidential election tainted by violence

 Security forces stand outside a polling station in Kampala, Uganda, on January 14,2021. Ugandans are voting in a presidential election 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. Picture by Jerome Delay
 Security forces stand outside a polling station in Kampala, Uganda, on January 14,2021. Ugandans are voting in a presidential election tainted by widespread violence that some fear could escalate as security forces try to stop supporters o  Security forces stand outside a polling station in Kampala, Uganda, on January 14,2021. Ugandans are voting in a presidential election 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. Picture by Jerome Delay

Ugandans are voting today in a presidential election 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.

Long lines of voters snaked into the distance in the capital, Kampala. "This is a miracle," mechanic Steven Kaderere said.

"This shows me that Ugandans this time are determined to vote for the leader they want. I have never seen this before."

But delays were seen in the delivery of polling materials in some places, including where Mr Wine voted.

After he arrived to the cheers of a crowd and cast his ballot, he made the sign of the cross, then raised his fist and smiled.

Mr Wine told local broadcaster NTV Uganda: "Everybody was scared, they thought I would not cast my vote. Here I am coming from the polling station.

"I want to assure Ugandans that we can and indeed will win. Whether or not (the electoral commission chief) declares that, that is his business."

Uganda's leading opposition challenger Bobi Wine leaves the polling station after voting in Kampala, Uganda, on Thursday January 14 2021. Picture by Jerome Delay, AP Photo
Uganda's leading opposition challenger Bobi Wine leaves the polling station after voting in Kampala, Uganda, on Thursday January 14 2021. Picture by Jerome Delay, AP Photo Uganda's leading opposition challenger Bobi Wine leaves the polling station after voting in Kampala, Uganda, on Thursday January 14 2021. Picture by Jerome Delay, AP Photo

Results are expected within 48 hours of polls closing at 4pm. More than 17 million people are registered voters in the country of 45 million people. A candidate must win more than 50% to avoid a runoff vote.

Long-time President Yoweri Museveni, an authoritarian who has wielded power since 1986, seeks a sixth term against a strong challenge from Mr Wine, a popular young singer-turned-opposition politician.

Nine other challengers are trying to unseat Mr Museveni.

Mr Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has seen many associates jailed or go into hiding as security forces crack down on opposition supporters they fear could mount a street uprising leading to regime change.

Mr Wine, of the National Unity Platform party, has said he does not believe the election is free and fair. He has urged supporters to linger near polling stations to protect their votes.

But the electoral commission, which the opposition sees as weak, has said voters must return home after casting ballots.

Internet access was cut off last night. "No matter what they do, the world is watching," Mr Wine tweeted.

"This election has already been rigged," another opposition candidate, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, told local broadcaster NTV as polls opened, adding that "we will not accept the outcome of this election".

Support for 76-year-old Museveni support has traditionally been concentrated in rural areas where many credit him with restoring a sense of peace and security that was lost during the regimes of dictators including Idi Amin.

Security forces have deployed heavily in the area that encompasses Kampala, where the opposition has strong support partly because of rampant unemployment even among college graduates.

Some young people said they would vote despite the apparent risks.

"This government has ruled us badly. They have really squeezed us," said Allan Sserwadda, a car washer. "They have ruled us for years and they say they have ideas. But they are not the only ones who have ideas."

Asked if the heavy military deployment worried him, he smiled and said: "If we are to die, let us die. Now there is no difference between being alive and being dead. Bullets can find you anywhere. They can find you at home. They can find you on the veranda."