This is why Uganda’s election is a big moment for democracy in Africa

By
The Daily Vox Team
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Empty ballot boxes set up at Superior Complex polling site in downtown Kampala.

Thursday has been declared as a national holiday in Uganda as citizens take to the polls for the country’s national elections. Kizza Besigye of opposition party, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has been listed as current President Yoweri Museveni’s biggest rival. But Museveni, who has been president for the last 30 years, is still expected to win. MBALI ZWANE and STUART LEWIS spoke to Tendai Marima about the elections.

A voter in Mengo, Kampala casts his vote after a grenade exploded here the night before the vote. Mengo has been fairly peaceful and voting began on time however, police are still investigating the explosion which resulted in the death of at least 3 people.
A voter in Mengo, Kampala casts his vote after a grenade exploded here the night before the vote. Mengo has been fairly peaceful and voting began on time however, police are still investigating the explosion which resulted in the death of at least 3 people.
Early morning voters at Pioneer Mall many of whom arrived at 6 a.m patiently wait for the process to begin.
Early morning voters at Pioneer Mall, many of whom arrived at 6am, patiently wait for the process to begin.
Political party polling agents at People's Plaza in downtown Kampala struggling to find voter's names on the register.
Political party polling agents at People’s Plaza in downtown Kampala struggling to find voter’s names on the register.
A woman dips her thumb in indigo ink at Namirembe Parish polling site in Mengo, Kampala.
A woman dips her thumb in indigo ink at Namirembe Parish polling site in Mengo, Kampala.
Polling agents searching through the registers at People's Plaza.
Polling agents searching through the registers at People’s Plaza.
Unlike in other countries where voters cast their votes behind a cardboard booth, here in Uganda a dish is used to make one's choice.
Unlike in other countries where voters cast their votes behind a cardboard booth, here in Uganda a dish is used to make one’s choice.
Angry voters at Superior Complex argue with officials and police over the later delay of voting materials.
Angry voters at Superior Complex argue with officials and police over the later delay of voting materials.

 

All images: Tendai Marima

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