Uganda Votes Under Internet Blackout After Wave of Arrests

Ugandans voted Thursday under a nationwide internet blackout. The shutdown came after a tense campaign marked by the arrests of hundreds of opposition supporters. Voters lined up at polling stations early in the morning. The election is a contest between long-time President Yoweri Museveni and his main rival, singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine. Wine's campaign says over 400 of its supporters were detained in recent months. The government states the arrests were for violating public health rules against large gatherings. The internet outage began on Wednesday. Authorities have not given a reason for the blackout, which limits the flow of information and independent observation. Museveni, 76, has been in power for 35 years. He is seeking a sixth term. His opponent, 38-year-old Bobi Wine, has gained widespread support among young voters.