Polls have opened in Uganda's presidential and parliamentary elections, though voting has been disrupted by logistical delays in parts of the country amid an internet shutdown.
In the morning, the BBC observed growing frustration among voters queuing at some polling stations in the capital, Kampala, where voting had yet to start. Election officials are yet to comment.
The delays have been blamed on failures of biometric identification kits, which some have linked to the network outage, as well as a lack of equipment in some places.
In the presidential race, Yoweri Museveni, 81, in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh successive victory as he faces a challenge from a charismatic pop star.
Where voting has been taking place, there are reports that the biometric machines used to verify voters' identities are still malfunctioning in some areas. Some biometric machines are not working. I don't know if it's the internet, a ruling party official told AFP news agency.
Delays have also been caused by polling materials and equipment failing to arrive at some stations on time. We arrived early at the polling station, but the voting equipment has not yet arrived, a voter in Kampala told state-run UBC TV.
The problems appear to be affecting areas that are seen as pro-government as well as areas that are seen as pro-opposition.
The presidential poll is essentially a two-horse race between Museveni and singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, but given the president has won the six previous elections, analysts say he is likely to further extend his time in power.
Wine, 43, has promised to tackle corruption and impose sweeping reforms, while Museveni argues he is the sole guarantor of stability and progress in the country.
The campaign period was marred by the disruption of opposition activities - security forces have been accused of assaulting and detaining Wine's supporters.
The NUP has rejected this explanation, accusing the regulator of trying to stop the opposition from mobilising and sharing evidence of election fraud.
Security Concerns
Since Saturday, security has been heightened in Kampala, Uganda's capital city. Officers have been marching in formation and conducting patrols, while armoured vehicles have been stationed at various locations.
Some Kampala residents have travelled to rural areas, saying they believe it is safer there during the election period.
Because Ugandan elections are often violent, I decided to re-register my polling centre in my home village, one man told the BBC.
Polls are due to close at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Thursday, although anyone in the queue at this time will be allowed to vote.
The result of the presidential vote will be announced by the same time on Saturday, the electoral commission has said.
