Uganda has suspended internet and telecommunications services ahead of Thursday’s elections, citing security concerns. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered mobile network operators and internet service providers to suspend services starting January 13 at 6pm.

Millions of Ugandans are voting Thursday in a tense presidential election as 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his four-decade grip on power.

But in many areas, voting had yet to start hours after polls were due to open as biometric machines -- used to verify voters' identity -- were malfunctioning and ballot boxes were undelivered.