The Ugandan government has rejected claims that it plans to shut down internet access during next week’s general elections, dismissing reports of a potential blackout as unfounded and misleading.
Concerns were raised by the leading opposition candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who has repeatedly warned that authorities may restrict internet access to disrupt voter mobilisation and limit the sharing of election results. These fears gained momentum on Friday after satellite internet provider Starlink restricted its services in Uganda following a directive from the national communications regulator.
Uganda heads to the polls on 15 January, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his rule, which is nearing four decades. His main challenger is Bobi Wine, a former pop star turned politician. The election comes against the backdrop of the 2021 vote, which was marked by widespread protests, dozens of deaths, and a four day nationwide internet shutdown.
The Uganda Communications Commission has sought to reassure the public. Its executive director, Nyombi Thembo, said there were no plans to cut internet access, describing reports of an impending shutdown as mere rumours. He stated that the commission’s mandate was to ensure uninterrupted connectivity during the election period.
Similar assurances were given by Amina Zawedde, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Communications and National Guidance. She said the government had neither announced nor implemented any decision to block the internet during the elections, characterising the reports as false and misleading.
Zawedde, however, cautioned against the spread of false or inflammatory content online. She emphasised that digital platforms were subject to Ugandan law and that the Computer Misuse Act applied fully to online activities, including the publication of false information and offensive material. She also stressed that only the Electoral Commission was authorised to declare election results, warning that broadcasting unverified or premature results was illegal.
Despite these official assurances, Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform says it is preparing for the possibility of an internet disruption. The party has launched an offline vote monitoring application known as Bitchart, which uses Bluetooth technology to share images of polling station result forms and voting data without relying on internet connectivity.
In his New Year address, Bobi Wine said past elections had demonstrated the risk of internet blackouts aimed at preventing citizens from communicating, verifying results, and holding authorities accountable.
Political tensions remain high as the election approaches. Amnesty International has accused Ugandan security forces of using torture and arbitrary arrests to intimidate opposition supporters, alleging beatings and tear gas attacks against backers of the National Unity Platform. As voting day draws closer, concerns over civil liberties, transparency, and access to information continue to shape the national conversation.
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