Uganda’s Electoral Commission says it is ready to manage voting at more than 50,000 polling stations ahead of Thursday’s election.

Officials report that election materials are being distributed nationwide and all necessary equipment, including biometric voter verification kits, is in place.

“At the moment, all the materials that are required are in the country. The polling materials, the ballot papers, the biometric voter verification kits, and everything that is required at a polling station are in place, and we are now taking them to the last mile,” said Julius Mucunguzi, spokesperson for the electoral commission.

While campaign rallies are done, streets in cities and rural towns remain lined with posters and banners from the various campaigns. Many voters say they just want the winner to focus on the daily realities of ordinary Ugandans.

President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, seeks a seventh term. His campaign seeks emphasizing stability, security, and economic growth.

“Uganda is moving at a fast rate. I think this year we shall grow at 7 percent GDP, one of the fastest, and when we start our oil flowing – we shall grow by double digits – more than 10 percent – therefore the future is bright.”

Opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine, has also been campaigning, appealing to voters for change and highlighting the need for a new generation of leadership.

“The people of Uganda have the right to stand, to rise up against misrule, against injustice, anytime, as soon as yesterday and as late as now,” he said.

The electoral commission says it will continue to monitor polling stations closely and ensure that voting proceeds smoothly. Security agencies have been deployed to maintain order, and residents are being encouraged to turn out and participate in the democratic process.