Uganda shuts down internet as Museveni seeks to extend 40-year rule
Government imposes a blackout as the 81-year-old leader moves to secure a seventh term in Thursday’s election
Ugandan authorities shut down internet access nationwide on Tuesday, two days ahead of elections in which President Yoweri Museveni has overseen a crackdown on the opposition as he seeks to extend his 40-year rule.
The 81-year-old leader, who once said African rulers should not overstay their time in office, was widely expected to win a seventh term on Thursday due to his total control over state and security bodies.
But he was taking no chances against a popular opponent, Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old singer-turned-politician, who has drawn large crowds to his rallies despite violent repression from the security forces.
Museveni held his final campaign rally in the capital Kampala on Tuesday, in a grand show most international media were blocked from covering.
Thousands walked to Kololo National Ceremonial Gardens for the rally, many telling Agence France-Presse they had been bussed into the capital for the event and given free food.