Ugandans head to the polls to elect president amid tense scenes

UGANDANS wearing face masks voted as police and soldiers patrolled the streets of the capital Kampala during a presidential election pitting long-time leader Yoweri Museveni against popular singer Bobi Wine.

Long lines of voters snaked out of polling stations in Kampala, a stronghold for an opposition galvanised by the popstar-turned-politician despite a campaign scarred by deadly crackdowns.

The government in the east African country of nearly 46 million people ordered an internet blackout until further notice on Wednesday, a day after it banned all social media and messaging apps.

Reggae artist and lawmaker Mr Wine (38) is channelling the anger of many young Ugandans who say former guerrilla leader Mr Museveni (76) is an out-of-touch dictator failing to tackle unemployment, corruption and surging public debt.

Mr Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, calls Mr Wine an upstart backed by foreign governments and homosexuals and says his administration guarantees stability and progress, including much-needed hydropower dams and roads.

There are 17.7 million registered voters and results are expected within 48 hours. Rogers Mulindwa, a spokesman for the ruling National Resistance Movement party, said Ugandans were turning out in big numbers.

As Mr Wine’s car arrived at his polling station, flanked by police in bulletproof vests and helmets, supporters danced and cheered.

“We have made every effort to observe and watch this election, and we will know the answer,” Mr Wine said. Some waiting to cast their ballots said they were scared of the security forces but determined to vote for Mr Wine.

Nearly 80pc of Ugandans are under the age of 30, meaning they have never known a president other than Mr Museveni.

There has been more violence than in previous elections, with dozens killed when security forces cracked down on Mr Wine’s rallies. Opposition candidates and supporters have also been arrested.

The government says it is stopping illegal gatherings during the Covid-19 crisis. The opposition says the bans on rallies are a smokescreen for repression.

“If you try to disturb peace, you will have yourself to blame,” Mr Museveni warned this week.

Though Mr Wine has the momentum of energised supporters behind him, Mr Museveni remains the front runner to win, analysts say.