UN chief calls for inclusive elections in Uganda

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has raised concern about reports of violence in Uganda ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections, calling for an "inclusive, transparent and peaceful" election process in the African country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Guterres urged all political actors and their supporters to "refrain from the use of hate speech, intimidation and violence."

"Any electoral disputes should be resolved through legal and peaceful means," he said.

The UN chief further urged Ugandan authorities, particularly the security forces, to "show maximum restraint during this period and act according to established human rights principles."

Elections were scheduled to start in Uganda on Thursday.

Ugandans are casting their ballots amid heavy security arrangements in various towns across the country.

Armored personnel carriers with mounted machine guns have been patrolling the streets of the capital, Kampala, while army helicopters and surveillance drones fly over the city in a bid to stem further violence.

Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers and police have also been patrolling the city on foot, mainly in areas perceived to be opposition strongholds.

Ugandan authorities have also cut off internet access in the country.

The military build-up has fanned fears of further election-related violence.

About 18 million voters are registered for the presidential and parliamentary vote already marred by sporadic violence, which will unfold in nearly 35,000 polling stations.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is pursuing a sixth term against opposition front-runner Bobi Wine, a 38-year-old singer-turned-lawmaker.

Museveni, who took power by force in 1986, is considered a key US ally on security matters.

In November, at least 54 people were shot dead by security forces loyal to Museveni during protests against one of Wine's numerous arrests.

The run-up to polling day was marred by a sustained crackdown on Museveni's rivals and government critics, and unprecedented attacks on the nation's media and human rights defenders.

Several global rights and democracy groups have raised concerns about the integrity and transparency of the elections.

Last week, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) pointed to the "deteriorating human rights situation" ahead of Thursday's vote, calling on the government to take measures to prevent electoral violence.

The European Union (EU) also said on Tuesday that the electoral process had been seriously tarnished by the use of excessive force.

Wine is the strongest of 10 opposition contenders trying to unseat Museveni.

But most observers expect the aging president and his ruling National Resistance Movement to emerge victorious.

He has never lost an election, and has been counting down the days to victory in confident campaign advertisements, promising to invest more in infrastructure, health, and education and build Uganda's economy.

But Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has accused the president of presiding over corruption and failing to deliver jobs.

Wine has vowed non-violent street protests should Ugandans feel the elections were stolen. The opposition leader has urged people to turn out in large numbers and vote, saying they should not fear intimidation by the authorities.

Museveni, who has suggested Wine is supported by foreign and criminal elements, has warned his opponents against taking to the streets.

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