When Yoweri Museveni seized power in Uganda in 1986, he said "the problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people but leaders who want to overstay in power."

KAMPALA, Uganda -- Uganda’s presidential election was plagued by widespread delays Thursday in addition to a days-long internet shutdown that has been criticized as an anti-democratic tactic in a country where the president has held office since 1986.

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.

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.

Technical failures at polling places have caused disruptions, and the opposition has warned of government vote rigging amid an internet blackout.

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Voting began Thursday in Uganda’s presidential election despite a days-long internet shutdown that has been criticized as an anti-democratic gesture in a country where the president has held office since 1986.

Ugandan Christians and opposition party members face arrests, heightened security and an internet blackout heading into Thursday’s presidential elections. Screenshots and photos circulating in Uganda show a statement from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) allegedly announcing that all mobile money and internet services would be suspended during the electoral process.

Ugandan pop star and opposition candidate Bobi Wine says he has been beaten, tasered and attacked with teargas and pepper spray while campaigning against long-serving President Yoweri Museveni.