The women say that presidential election data are impossible to explain logically and warrant immediate independent scrutiny by patriotic Ugandan citizens.

The BVR system worked well in Uganda’s recent elections. But BVR is not a silver bullet in solving all electoral issues. Inadequate voter education was a major problem as well as state interference and harassment of the opposition. The electoral commission was also perceived to be partisan in favour of Yoweri Museveni.

Several organisations have written to the African Union and regional bodies asking them to condemn the decision by Ugandan authorities to shut down Internet access during recent elections ostensibly for national security. Such an action – which is becoming widespread - violates human rights and international law. It must not be allowed to become the new normal in Africa.

For 30 years, the Ugandan leader who is poised to extend his rule in next week’s elections has presided over a militarized regime supported by the West. The citizens desperately need change but they have no way of achieving it through compromised procedural democracy. The forces for change in Uganda must re-strategize and keep up this struggle after the elections.

It is the final week to Uganda’s fiercely contested elections. President Museveni looks set to extend his 30-year rule. The campaign period has been grueling and deeply divisive. Museveni and his challengers and their respective supporters must ensure the elections pass off peacefully.