Uganda has once again plunged into digital darkness ahead of a highly contested presidential election scheduled for tomorrow. The nationwide internet blackout, ordered just hours before the vote, raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness in one of East Africa’s most closely watched polls.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directed all telecom operators and internet service providers to suspend public internet access starting 6:00 PM local time on Tuesday, citing national security concerns and the need to curb “online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and the incitement of violence.”
This sweeping suspension comes two days before Ugandans return to the polls for a tense rematch between President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has ruled for nearly four decades, and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Telecoms Comply with Regulator’s Directive
Major operators, including MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, and Roke Telkom, issued notices to customers warning of service disruptions “in compliance with a directive from the regulator.”
According to messages seen by this publication, mobile data, fixed broadband, fibre, and wireless internet services will remain unavailable until further notice, while voice calls and SMS will continue to function.
“The suspension applies to mobile broadband, fibre optic, fixed wireless access, microwave links, and satellite internet services,” UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo stated in a letter to operators, adding that the decision followed “strong recommendations from security agencies.”
The blackout has immediate and far-reaching consequences for everyday life and economic activity. Services such as mobile money transactions, social media platforms, messaging apps, video streaming, ride-hailing, and most online banking channels are expected to grind to a halt.
Only select government systems, hospitals, and critical financial infrastructure will retain limited connectivity through dedicated private networks.
Opposition and Civil Society React
Bobi Wine, who shared the UCC directive on social media before the shutdown took full effect, condemned the move as political repression. “Those behind this decision are cowards who fear the truth,” he said, urging supporters to explore offline and peer-to-peer communication tools.
Civil society groups warned that the blackout would cripple citizens’ ability to document and report abuses in real time, while election observers and journalists expressed concern over their ability to monitor and verify incidents during voting.
Observers and Regional Implications
The shutdown complicates the work of hundreds of international and regional election observers, journalists, and diplomatic missions who rely on digital tools to track voting and transmit findings across Uganda’s 45 million-strong population.
Uganda previously cut internet access during the disputed 2021 election, which saw violent protests and dozens of deaths. That precedent is now part of a growing regional trend, with similar election-period blackouts reported in Tanzania and other East African nations, fueling fears that digital shutdowns are becoming a norm whenever political stakes are high.
