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Uganda orders nationwide internet blackout before vote
Uganda's communications regulator has instructed telecom operators to suspend internet access nationwide starting Tuesday evening, citing public safety concerns.
Justification and timing
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said the shutdown aims to curb "online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement to violence." The suspension begins at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday, though no end date has been announced.
Previous shutdowns and current impact
During the 2021 election, internet access was cut for at least a week amid protests that left dozens dead. This time, mobile data users reported losing connectivity on Tuesday, though some businesses, including large hotels, retained wireless access. Voice calls and SMS services are expected to remain functional.
Security agencies behind the decision
The UCC said it acted on a "strong recommendation" from security forces, including the military and police. A letter to telecom providers described the move as a "precautionary intervention" to safeguard peace and national stability during the "sensitive national exercise."
Election rematch and opposition response
Thursday's vote pits 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni, in power for four decades, against 43-year-old opposition leader Bobi Wine, a former pop star whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. Six other candidates are also running.
Museveni's campaign slogan, "Protecting the Gains," emphasizes continuity, while Wine's "Protest Vote" urges generational change. Wine shared the UCC's shutdown letter on X, calling its authors "cowards" and encouraging supporters to use a Bluetooth-based messaging app. The UCC, however, warned it could block the app's functionality.
Broader context
Earlier this month, the UCC dismissed rumors of an impending blackout, insisting its role was to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. The reversal underscores heightened tensions as Uganda prepares for a contentious election.
