Ugandans face soldiers and an internet shutdown ahead of presidential election

Authorities ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access and deployed troops in parts of the capital in the days before Thursday's presidential vote.

Ugandans are preparing to vote in a presidential election scheduled for Thursday. President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh term while Bobi Wine is a leading challenger. Days before voting, the Uganda Communications Commission directed a temporary suspension of public internet access and halted sale and registration of new SIM cards. Authorities also began deploying security forces, including troops and armored vehicles, in parts of the capital. Key reported facts: - The Uganda Communications Commission ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access and suspended the sale and registration of new SIM cards, citing risks such as misinformation and threats to national security. - Ugandan authorities deployed troops and armored vehicles in parts of Kampala; a military spokesman said the deployment was intended to deter violence. - The presidential vote is scheduled for Thursday, with officials reporting about 21.6 million registered voters and multiple candidates including President Museveni and challenger Bobi Wine. - The opposition's National Unity Platform urged supporters to observe polling stations from the permitted 20-metre distance, while electoral officials advised voters to cast ballots and then return home. Summary: Officials announced an internet suspension and troop deployments ahead of the vote, and those measures have been reported as affecting information flow and public observation at polling sites. The immediate next procedural step is the start of polling on Thursday.