The Ugandan government has ordered internet service providers to shut down social media and messaging services.

The directive was issued ahead of Thursday’s presidential election.

In a letter, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director, Irene Sewankambo ordered telcos to “immediately suspend any access and use” of social media and online messaging platforms.

The action was believed to be a retaliation for Facebook deleting pro-government accounts “trying to manipulate” public debate before the polls.

Banned platforms include Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Signal and Viber.

The leading opposition candidate, Bobi Wine today said his home was raided.

Wine dared President Yoweri Museveni to tell the world “what he intends to do in this election that he should arrest my entire campaign team, my assistants & supporters”.

“Last night, the military yet again arrested so many friends and comrades; two days to the election! Others are living as fugitives!”, tweeted the popular singer, real name Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.

Museveni, 76, has been in power since 1986.