Uganda’s government has ordered a nationwide internet suspension effective January 13 at 6 PM—36 hours before the presidential election scheduled for January 15. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directed all licensed mobile network operators and internet service providers to implement the temporary suspension following a recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee (IASC).
The shutdown blocks public internet access across all technologies including mobile data, fibre connections, fixed wireless access, and satellite-based services. The regulator has also ordered operators to stop selling new SIM cards and disable outbound data roaming services. Authorities justified the measure citing efforts to curb misinformation, prevent electoral fraud, and reduce potential violence during the critical voting period.
The move marks a departure from the government’s position just eight days earlier. On January 5, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, stated that “the government has not made a decision to shut down the internet during the election period,” describing circulating claims as “false and misleading.”
The 2026 presidential election is a contest between 81-year-old incumbent Yoweri Museveni, seeking his seventh consecutive electoral victory since 1986, and opposition challenger Robert Kyagulanyi—professionally known as Bobi Wine—a 43-year-old former musician leading the National Unity Platform. Museveni won the 2021 election with 58 percent of the vote compared to Bobi Wine’s 35 percent, though that election faced allegations of irregularities.
The internet suspension will have far-reaching consequences. The UCC’s directive blocks access to social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email, and messaging applications for the general public. However, limited exemptions exist for critical systems at national referral hospitals, banking networks, government payment systems, and Electoral Commission platforms—though these exemptions exclude social media and mobile VPN services.
This shutdown reflects Uganda’s historical pattern during elections. During the 2021 election, Uganda experienced a four-day internet blackout lasting from January 13 to January 18, 2021, which prevented citizens from accessing information, monitoring elections, or using digital financial services. Social media platforms remained blocked even after internet connectivity was restored.
The campaign leading to this election has been marked by violence and restrictions on opposition activities. Opposition figures report that dozens of National Unity Platform members have been arrested.
International organizations have condemned the shutdown. Access Now’s KeepItOn coalition—representing over 345 organizations—called on President Museveni to reverse the decision, emphasizing that internet shutdowns violate fundamental human rights. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights expressed concern about escalating restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom ahead of the elections.
Uganda’s election is scheduled for January 15, with polling running from 7 AM to 4 PM local time. Results are expected by January 17, as the Electoral Commission must declare the presidential outcome within 48 hours of voting concluding.
