Ugandan authorities are firmly rejecting allegations that the government plans to shut down internet access during next week’s national elections, dismissing the claims as unfounded and misleading as political tensions rise ahead of the vote.
The concerns were raised by Uganda’s leading opposition figure, Robert Kyagulanyi — better known as Bobi Wine — who warned that the government could impose an internet blackout to disrupt voter mobilization and suppress the sharing of election results. Anxiety intensified on Friday after satellite internet provider Starlink confirmed it had restricted its services in Uganda, citing an order from the country’s communications regulator.
Uganda is set to head to the polls on January 15, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his nearly four-decade rule. His main challenger, Bobi Wine, is a former pop star turned politician who has galvanized large youth support. The vote comes against the backdrop of the controversial 2021 election, which was marked by deadly protests and a four-day nationwide internet shutdown.
In response to the latest claims, the Uganda Communications Commission moved to reassure the public. Its executive director, Nyombi Thembo, told local radio that reports of an impending internet blackout were “mere rumors,” emphasizing that the commission’s mandate is to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across the country.
Similar assurances came from the Ministry of Communications and National Guidance. Amina Zawedde, the ministry’s top official, said the government has neither announced nor implemented any plan to cut internet services during the election period. She described the reports as false and cautioned against the spread of misinformation online.
Zawedde also stressed that digital platforms remain subject to Ugandan law, noting that the Computer Misuse Act applies to online content, including false or inflammatory information. She added that only the Electoral Commission is authorized to announce official election results, warning that the circulation of unverified or premature results would be illegal.
Despite those assurances, Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform says it is preparing for all scenarios. The party has unveiled an offline vote-monitoring application known as Bitchart, which uses Bluetooth technology to transmit images of polling station result forms and voting data without relying on internet access.
In his New Year address, Bobi Wine cited past elections as evidence that internet shutdowns can be used to prevent citizens from communicating, verifying results, and holding authorities accountable.
Political tensions remain high. Amnesty International has accused Ugandan security forces of intimidation tactics against opposition supporters, including arbitrary arrests, beatings, and the use of tear gas — allegations the government has denied.
President Museveni first took power in 1986 after his rebel forces captured the capital, Kampala. He has since won six elections, repeatedly rejecting opposition claims of fraud and voter suppression.
As election day approaches, Ugandans — and the international community — will be watching closely to see whether the government’s assurances on internet access hold true.
Reporting by Ehud Jones.
