Uganda Government Orders Temporary Internet Shutdown Ahead of Elections
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered a temporary nationwide suspension of
public internet access and selected mobile services as the country prepares for its general elections
scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The directive, issued on Tuesday, aims to curb the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation and
content that could incite violence or undermine national security during the sensitive election period.
In a statement addressed to licensed mobile network operators (MNOs) and internet service providers
(ISPs), the UCC said the suspension would take effect at 6:00 p.m. on January 13, 2026 and remain in
force until an official restoration notice is issued.
The directive follows a recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, which cited
concerns that unregulated online content could fuel tension, spread false information about election
outcomes, or be manipulated to disrupt public order.
Under the directive, operators are required to block all non-essential public internet traffic, including
access to social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, messaging applications and personal
email services.
The suspension also covers services across multiple access technologies, mobile broadband, fibre-optic
networks, leased lines, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links and satellite internet connections,
effectively cutting off general internet access for ordinary citizens.
In addition to public internet services, the UCC ordered a freeze on the sale and registration of new SIM
cards and a suspension of outbound data roaming services to One Network Area countries, further
limiting avenues for unfettered online communication.
The commission said the measure is designed to mitigate electoral fraud risks and reduce the potential
for online platforms to be used to spread false results or harmful narratives that could impact public
confidence in the electoral process or incite unrest.
It also underscored that the directive is temporary and subject to review as the election period
progresses. Despite the widespread shutdown affecting ordinary internet users, the UCC has outlined
strictly controlled exceptions for critical services.
These include essential national infrastructure and systems such as healthcare networks, core banking
platforms and government communication channels, which are permitted to remain connected under
specially authorised access arrangements.
The move has drawn mixed reactions within Uganda and internationally. Critics, including opposition
figures such as presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and civil liberties advocates, argue
that cutting off internet access can undermine democratic transparency and restrict citizens’ rights to
information and communication during a crucial electoral process.
Supporters of the shutdown, however, view it as a precautionary step to maintain national security and
order in the face of rising misinformation ahead of the polls.
This isn’t the first time Uganda has imposed internet restrictions during a major political event; past
elections have seen similar measures, though the scope and timing of shutdowns vary.
Observers and rights groups continue to monitor the situation closely as citizens prepare to vote in an
election that has drawn significant domestic and international attention.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
