Uganda bans social media ahead of presidential election

Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, speaks during a press conference with other opposition leaders in Kampala, Uganda January 12, 2021. REUTERS/Baz Ratner

KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda banned social media and messaging apps on Tuesday, two days ahead of a presidential election pitting Yoweri Museveni, one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, against opposition frontrunner Bobi Wine, a popular singer.

Users complained on Tuesday that they were unable to access Facebook and WhatsApp, social media platforms being widely used for campaigning by all sides ahead of Thursday's election in the East African country.