President Yoweri Museveni looks likely to extend his lengthy grip on power in Uganda's first multi-party poll for 25 years.
Once a favourite of the West but now condemned by critics as a typical African "Big Man" after 20 years in power, Mr Museveni will probably win with more than 50 per cent of the votes and avoid a run-off with his main rival Kizza Besigye, analysts say.
The former herd-boy, who led a five-year rebellion that brought him to power in 1986, says he is the only one who can preserve stability in a country once torn apart by the likes of dictator Idi Amin and surrounded by conflict in neighbouring states.
He points to steady economic growth and social achievements such as free primary education.
But Mr Besigye (49) - Mr Museveni's physician during the 1981-86 bush war and now leader of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change - says his former boss has transformed himself into a dictator desperate to cling to power.
The latest poll gave Mr Besigye 36 per cent support, compared with 47 per cent for Mr Museveni and his ruling National Resistance Movement.