Today Uganda is holding presidential elections, with internet access restricted across the country.
According to local and international media reports, online resources are temporarily unavailable or operating under significant restrictions.
In these elections, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his rule into a fifth decade.
The elections are taking place under internet access restrictions across the country.
Power outages began on Tuesday to prevent the spread of disinformation and incitement to violence, though the government has repeatedly promised not to do so.
Election context and network access restrictions
Museveni faces seven other candidates in the election, including his longtime opponent and popular musician Bobi Wine.
Wine is 43 years old; he is a pop star and is sometimes nicknamed the “Ghetto President” for his humble origins.
Wine promised to put an end to what he calls Museveni’s “dictatorship,” appealing to young people who are frustrated by limited economic opportunities.
It is noted that over 70% of Uganda’s population is under 30 years old.
Meanwhile Museveni, the 81-year-old president, is campaigning on “protecting the gains,” promising to maintain peace and lift the country to middle-income status.
Outlook for Uganda’s future
Experts note that the election result could influence the direction of the country’s development, in particular on freedom of speech and access to digital services.
The youth, who make up a significant portion of the electorate, may shape future policy and economic decisions depending on who becomes the new leader of the country.
The government says that the internet restriction measures were put in place to support public safety during the vote, but citizens and observers are closely watching the transparency of the process and the protection of human rights.