Election: Uganda shuts down internet until further notice

Uganda has ordered a nationwide internet shutdown ahead of its January 15 general elections, citing security reasons. The suspension, which is expected to commence on Tuesday, January 13, by 6 pm, will remain in force until further notice. 

In a disclosure on Tuesday, the Ugandan Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director, Mr Nyombi Thembo, noted that the decision was intended to prevent misinformation and maintain security amid rising political tensions towards the election. He added that the implementation is directed to all licensed internet and mobile service providers in the country. 

While making further explanation, Mr Thembo noted that the move followed a “strong recommendation” from the Inter-Agency Security Committee to curb the rapid spread of disinformation online and curb electoral fraud. He explained that such actions, if not prevented, lead to violence and undermine national security during elections.

“The temporary suspension is intended to mitigate risks associated with the misuse of online platforms during the election period,” he said in the statement.

In addition, the UCC directed telecoms operators to suspend public internet access, halt the sale and registration of new SIM cards, and disable outbound data roaming to other countries within the One Network Area, a service that covers East African Community partner states. 

They were also instructed to use all social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming services, personal email and messaging applications. 

In extension, the shutdown applies to all mobile network operators, broadband services, leased lines, mobile network virtual operators, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links and satellite internet services. The communications regulator also ordered telecom operators to disconnect mobile virtual private network (VPN) services on their networks.

As the East African country heads to polls on Thursday, January 15, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni is in contention to extend his 40-year rule. His strongest challenger is expected to be Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, a former pop star, who has been gaining strong backing from youths.

Also Read: Uganda Election: Internet blackout looms after Starlink’s service restriction.

Internet shutdown in Uganda: an expected outcome

The internet shutdown comes days after the Elon Musk-owned satellite internet provider, Starlink, was directed to shut down activities due to regulatory issues. 

At that time, there were serious concerns over the timing of the activity amid preparations for the general elections. This then raised questions over human rights violations and the blockage of internet activities. Experts feared the sitting government was starting to seek favours in a bid to extend its reign.

While the internet shutdown has finally materialised as feared, it raised questions over human rights infringement, political agendas and a fair election process. The shutdown comes in a critical period where elections are influenced by campaigns and mobilisation across social media platforms. 

In preparation for an internet blackout, the main opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), launched an offline vote-monitoring app. The platform, called Bitchart, was unveiled by NUP leader Bobi Wine.

The app uses Bluetooth technology to share result images and voting data from polling stations without internet access.

This isn’t the first time the Ugandan government has imposed an internet shutdown during elections. At the 2021 polls, the government shut down internet access for four days, which saw widespread protests with dozens killed.

The latest development also follows recent internet shutdowns in Tanzania and Cameroon over widespread violence and protests during their respective 2025 general elections.

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