Ugandan election: Internet blackout imposed

An internet blackout has been imposed across Uganda ahead of the presidential elections on January 15th, as reported by BBC News and agencies on January 13th.

According to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the decision was made on the grounds of public safety; it will prevent “online misinformation, disinformation [and] electoral fraud… as well as preventing [the] incitement of violence”

The blackout was scheduled to commence at 6 pm local time on January 13th, although no information was provided regarding when access would be restored.

In a letter to phone companies, the UCC stated that it was acting on “a strong recommendation” from security agencies, including the army and police.

Ugandan authorities initially denied claims that an internet blackout would be imposed on January 2nd, dismissing the allegations as “mere rumours.”

These concerns were fueled by satellite internet provider Starlink restricting its services in Uganda following a UCC order, despite the regulator’s guarantee of internet connectivity nationwide.

Opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, told supporters on January 1st, “the regime is plotting an internet shutdown, as they have done in past elections, to block communication and prevent citizens from organising.”

Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP), is the main opposition to President Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Museveni, 81, has held office since 1986, despite not being formally elected until 1996. His grip on power has led to the Parliament becoming subservient to Museveni, while elections since 2001 have been marred by allegations of rigging and military interference.

Internet access was previously blocked for a week during the 2021 election, which Wine maintains Museveni won due to widespread electoral fraud.

Ugandan authorities have been condemned for the violent crackdown on opposition activists and journalists who were critical of Museveni’s government.

According to a UN statement on December 3rd, journalists accused of critical reporting had their accreditation withdrawn, while activists were subjected to arbitrary arrests, violence from authorities, forced disappearances, and torture.

Since early 2025, at least 550 people have been arrested and detained by security forces, with Amnesty International accusing the forces of beating protestors and firing tear gas at NUP supporters.

News of an internet blackout came a day after it was reported that security forces had been deployed to major cities across Uganda, including the capital, Kampala.

An army spokesperson said the deployment of armoured vehicles and infantry units was in response to “threats of violence” and is intended to prevent “violence” in the electoral process.

BBC News and agencies, Maghrebi.org