Name: Ugandan authorities shut down internet hours before polls open
Uploaded: 2026-01-14T20:10:09.941Z
Duration: 1 min 47 s
Description: Currently facing a countrywide internet blockage, Uganda is set to vote in the presidential election. Pop star turned politician Bobi Wine seeks to mount a successful challenge again against incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.

Currently facing a countrywide internet blockage, Uganda is set to vote in the presidential election. Pop star turned politician Bobi Wine seeks to mount a successful challenge again against incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.

Kampala

Ugandan authorities implemented an internet shutdown shortly before the opening of polls for the presidential election. Opposition leader Bobi Wine, who reported that hundreds of his supporters had been detained in recent months, called on citizens—especially the youth—to vote in protest and find ways to bypass the blackout. 

Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for 40 years and is facing six challengers, emphasized the importance of preserving peace and security. Despite a significant generational gap between Museveni and his main challenger, he retains support from some voters and the state apparatus.

Ugandan authorities shut down internet hours before polls open

The Ugandan pop star turned politician Bobi Wine has endured a rough campaign during his second shot at his country's presidency. According to Wine, about 750 of his supporters have been held by security forces in recent months. And just hours before casting the ballot, the country is facing an internet blackout, but Wine is rallying the youthful population to cast a protest vote and unseat long-term president Museveni. Those of you that can advise others on how to bypass this illegal internet shutdown, please do, because democracy dies in the dark. And again, we've encouraged you to stay and observe the election because it is within your right. Whereas Wine is promising improved social services and infrastructure in a new Uganda, incumbent president Museveni is keen on protecting his gains from 40 years in power. The 81-year-old is facing six other challenges, but he still has trust from some voters. I'm voting for NLM, consolidating the achievements, protecting the achievements, the peace that we are having in the country. It must be protected. For security, for peace, I want peace, I don't want disturbance everywhere. The current president, Chiaore Museveni, is nearly twice as old as his main challenger, Robert Chiagulanyi. And with an evident generational gap between him and the majority of the population here, Museveni's task on the ballot appears to be steeper. But he has won the last six elections and remains backed by the state apparatus. Darren Alan Cheyunem, Africa News, Kampala.

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