Polls have opened in Uganda's presidential and parliamentary elections, though voting has been disrupted by logistical delays in parts of the country amid an internet shutdown.
In the morning, the BBC observed growing frustration among voters queuing at some polling stations in the capital, Kampala, where voting had yet to start. Election officials are yet to comment.
The delays have been blamed on failures of biometric identification kits, which some have linked to the network outage, as well as a lack of equipment in some places.
In the presidential race, Yoweri Museveni, 81, in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh successive 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. Some biometric machines are not working. I don't know if it's the internet, a ruling party official told AFP news agency.
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 that are seen as pro-government as well as areas that are seen as pro-opposition.
The presidential poll is essentially a two-horse race between Museveni and singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, but analysts say the president is likely to further extend his time in power.
Ahead of voting day, Uganda's Communications Commission suspended internet access, stating that it was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud, and violence - a move condemned by the UN human rights office as “deeply worrying.”
This election comes amid heightened security presence and fears of violence, as past elections have been characterized by unrest. Voters are hopeful for a fair election process amidst concerns regarding transparency and manipulation.
