Voting delayed in Uganda elections as biometric glitches and internet outage frustrate voters

Logistical problems have caused delays in Uganda’s presidential and parliamentary elections in several parts of the country, amid an ongoing internet shutdown.

In the capital, Kampala, voters were observed queuing for hours at polling stations that had not yet opened. The delays have been linked to malfunctioning biometric identification kits, possibly affected by the network outage, as well as missing polling materials and equipment.

The Electoral Commission apologised for the “technical glitches” and said officials were working to resolve the issues.

In the presidential race, incumbent Yoweri Museveni, 81, seeking a seventh term in power since 1986, faces a strong challenge from 43-year-old pop star Bobi Wine. Reports indicate that in some areas where voting has begun, biometric machines continue to malfunction.

Kaweesi Ismail, a voter in Kampala, expressed frustration: “I’m angry because I have not voted up to now. We were meant to start at seven, but the ballot papers are not even here. I don’t even know what to say.”

Casting his vote in Rwakitura Village in western Mbarara, Museveni also experienced difficulties with the machines. “I put my thumbprint on the machine, but it did not accept it. However, my face was accepted instantly by the machine. The machine works,” he said, adding that authorities are investigating whether the problems were deliberate.

Election chief Simon Byabakama ordered the use of the national voters’ register in locations where biometric machines failed. “It is the primary duty of the Electoral Commission to ensure that no citizen is disenfranchised due to machine failure,” he said.

The problems are affecting both government-leaning and opposition-leaning areas. On social media, Bobi Wine claimed that biometric machines “have failed everywhere” and alleged irregularities, including the arrest of his agents.

Ugandan law allows polling hours to be extended in the event of disruptions. Byabakama confirmed: “Polling stations will remain open until all registered voters in the queue by 4:00 pm (13:00 GMT) have cast their votes.”

The presidential contest is largely seen as a two-horse race between Museveni and Wine. While analysts suggest Museveni is likely to retain power given his long tenure, Wine has pledged to fight corruption and implement reforms, while Museveni frames himself as the guarantor of stability and progress.

The Electoral Commission has stated that results of the presidential vote will be announced by 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Saturday.