Polls have opened in Uganda's presidential and parliamentary election, though voting has been disrupted by widespread logistical delays across the country amid an internet shutdown.
At 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT), the BBC observed that things had yet to get going at five polling stations in the capital, Kampala, an hour after voting was due to start.
The delays have been blamed on failures of biometric identification kits, which some have linked to the network outage.
In the presidential race, Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has ruled the country for nearly four decades, is seeking a seventh successive election victory as he faces a challenge from a charismatic pop star.
Where voting has been taking place, there are reports that the biometric machines used to verify voters' identities are still malfunctioning in some areas.
Delays have also been caused by polling materials and equipment failing to arrive at some stations on time. The problems appear to be affecting areas seen as supportive of both the government and the opposition.
This year’s election is seen as a competitive two-horse race between Museveni and popular singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who promises to tackle corruption and implement sweeping reforms. In contrast, Museveni argues he is the guarantee of stability and progress.
The campaign period has been marred by allegations of harassment and disruption of opposition activities, with security forces accused of assault and detention of Wine's supporters.
Access to the internet had been suspended ahead of election day to prevent misinformation, according to the Ugandan Communications Commission—a move that has drawn international criticism for undermining the democratic process.
Amid heightened security in the capital, those voting are doing so under the watchful eye of numerous security personnel and patrolling armed vehicles. Polls are set to close at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) and results are expected to be announced two days later.
