• Voting commenced in Uganda amid a controversial internet blackout.
• President Yoweri Museveni seeks a seventh term against challenger Bobi Wine.
• Technical issues caused delays at polling stations, raising concerns about the electoral process.
• The opposition has accused the government of attempting to suppress votes.
• Over 21 million Ugandans are registered to vote in this critical election.

Voting in Uganda began Thursday morning despite a days-long internet blackout that critics have labeled an anti-democratic tactic. President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, is vying for a seventh term against seven other candidates, most notably pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who has called for significant political reforms. Approximately 21.6 million citizens are registered to vote, yet early polling was marked by delays due to technical problems, such as malfunctioning biometric machines and missing ballot boxes, causing significant frustration among voters, according to BBC and Africa News.

Delays were particularly acute in regions like Kampala, where voters reported being unable to participate due to non-functioning verification systems. Juma Katongole, a voter, expressed his frustration over the technology not working as promised, indicating that such failures could erode public confidence in the voting process. Museveni's administration has responded to these claims by insisting the delays were due to technical errors rather than intentional obstruction, according to Africa News and Anadolu Agency.

The internet blackout imposed by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) was initiated under the pretext of safeguarding public safety and preventing misinformation during the elections. This move has been met with heavy criticism from civil society and international human rights organizations, who argue it stifles freedom of expression and hampers transparency in the electoral process. Bobi Wine emphasized that the shutdown is meant to obstruct communications and undermine his campaign efforts, according to Africa News and Anadolu Agency.

As the election unfolds, widespread police and military presence have heightened the atmosphere of tension, prompting fears of potential violence. Allegations of security forces' misbehavior have emerged, with reports of arrests of opposition supporters. The United Nations and other rights groups have condemned the government for creating an environment of fear and repression during this critical democratic process, according to BBC and Africa News.

The results of the election are expected to be announced within 48 hours after polls close, as mandated by Ugandan law. However, the legitimacy of these results is under scrutiny due to the various challenges faced during the election, including restricted media coverage and limited communication options for voters, according to Africa News and Anadolu Agency.