Kampala: Uganda has rejected reports that authorities are planning to shut down internet access during the upcoming general election, as political tensions rise ahead of voting scheduled for January 15.
Uganda’s main opposition candidate has repeated allegations that the government intends to block the internet to stop supporters from mobilising and sharing election-related information. These fears have grown after satellite internet provider Starlink restricted its services in Uganda following a directive from the national communications regulator.
President Yoweri Museveni has been seeking to extend four decades in power in the January election. The strongest challenger has been Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, a former pop musician who has led the opposition National Unity Platform. The contest has echoed the 2021 election, during which widespread protests erupted and internet access was cut nationwide for four days.
In response to the latest concerns, the Uganda Communications Commission has said that claims of a planned internet shutdown were unfounded. Executive Director Nyombi Thembo told that there was no resolution to switch off internet services and that the regulator’s mandate was to ensure continued connectivity across the country.
Similar assurances have been given by Amina Zawedde, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Communications and National Guidance. Zawedde has said that the government had neither announced nor implemented any decision to block internet access during the election period, describing the reports as misleading and capable of creating public fear.
At the same time, the government has imposed restrictions on live broadcasts of riots, unlawful processions and violent incidents ahead of the vote, arguing that such coverage could escalate tensions and spread panic. Officials have also warned that digital platforms remain subject to existing laws, including the Computer Misuse Act.
Despite official denials, the National Unity Platform has prepared contingency measures. The party has launched an offline vote-monitoring application named Bitchart, which uses Bluetooth technology to share images of results forms and voting data without relying on internet access. Bobi Wine has said that the tool was designed to ensure transparency if online communication were disrupted.
International rights group Amnesty International has raised further concerns, accusing Ugandan security forces of using intimidation tactics against opposition supporters. Uganda’s government has denied previous allegations of abuse.
POPULAR | Denmark PM warns Trump over Greenland takeover threats
