Vote at Gunpoint: Uganda's 40-Year Leader Seeks More Power Amid Blackout

Ugandans voted Thursday under a nationwide internet shutdown and major military presence. The heavy security measures mark a tense presidential election. President Yoweri Museveni, 81, is seeking a sixth term. He has held power for 35 years. His main rival is pop star-turned-lawmaker Bobi Wine, 38. The government ordered a total internet blackout on election day. Officials cited national security. The move severely limits independent observation and public communication. Soldiers and police are deployed across the capital, Kampala, and other cities. This follows months of opposition protests and violent crackdowns. International observers report being largely blocked from monitoring the polls. The final result is expected within 48 hours.