Uganda Shuts Down Public Internet Less Than 48 Hours to General Election
Politics Updated: 13 January 2026 22:57 EAT
Ugandan opposition leader warns of protests if election is rigged
With less than 48 hours to the January 15 general election, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered a temporary nationwide suspension of public internet access and mobile services, effective Tuesday at 6:00 pm. The move affects millions of citizens amid rising political tensions.
The suspension covers mobile broadband, fibre, fixed wireless, satellite services, and includes a halt to new SIM card sales and outbound data roaming to neighbouring countries in the One Network Area. Operators have been instructed to block non-essential internet traffic, including social media, web browsing, personal email, and streaming platforms.
Authorities cited concerns over the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, warning that uncontrolled online content could threaten electoral integrity and public safety.
Telecom companies must also disable VPN access to prevent circumvention of the restrictions, ensuring that public internet traffic is fully blocked until further notice.
Exemptions apply for critical services, including healthcare systems, core banking networks, government administrative systems, utilities, and transport management, accessible only to authorised personnel via secure channels.
Operators have been warned that failure to comply could result in fines, license suspension, or even temporary shutdown of their entire infrastructure.
The blackout will remain in effect until the UCC issues a formal restoration notice, with services expected to be restored in phased stages to ensure stability.
The directive coincides with intense political competition, particularly between long‑time President Yoweri Museveni, seeking a seventh term, and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (“Bobi Wine”), who commands strong support among urban and youth voters.
Opposition figures have condemned the suspension, with Bobi Wine calling it a deliberate attempt to undermine communication and transparency during the polls.
Human rights groups have urged citizens to document any violence or electoral irregularities, citing concerns that restricted information flows could conceal abuses.
Observers note that Uganda has previously imposed internet restrictions during elections, including in 2021, warning that such measures can affect the economy and public confidence in the electoral process.
The shutdown has sparked debate domestically and internationally about balancing national security with citizens’ right to information, as the country heads into what is considered one of its most closely watched elections in decades.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD