Ugandans are voting in a tense presidential election as 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his four-decade rule amid an internet shutdown and heavy military deployment.

Polls have opened in Uganda’s presidential and parliamentary elections, but voting has been disrupted by logistical

In Uganda, millions prepare to vote in a presidential election steeped in tension and controversy. President Yoweri Museveni, Africa’s longest-serving leader, is seeking a seventh term in office, but his challengers and critics say the race is anything but free or fair.

Uganda’s parliament has 556 members, including 353 directly elected lawmakers, 146 district woman representatives, 30 members from the army, youth, workers, older persons, and people with disabilities, and 27 ex officio members, including the vice-president and ministers, who cannot vote.

Uganda’s election is a high-stakes moment for Tanzania, with the potential to reshape trade dynamics, regional stability, and the massive joint projects that link the two nations

The $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop) is expected to unlock Uganda’s oil reserves, turning it into a significant exporter. The project will also benefit Tanzania through transit fees, port development in Tanga and job creation, strengthening regional energy security and investor confidence.

Uganda, where President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his 40-year rule with a seventh term on Thursday, has one of the world's youngest populations and is pinning its hopes on oil reserves to overcome poverty.

High-stakes presidential polls in Uganda and Benin are under particular scrutiny, alongside keenly anticipated legislative contests in Ethiopia, Algeria and Morocco.

Millions of Ugandans will Thursday cast their votes in a crucial presidential rematch between a former pop star and their long-time authoritarian leader, who aims to prolong his nearly 40-year rule.