Ugandan authorities on Tuesday ordered a nationwide shutdown of internet services just two days before the country’s general election, despite earlier assurances that no such action was planned.
The directive, issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), instructed internet service providers to suspend access from 6:00pm local time (1600 GMT) until further notice. According to the formal notice, the blackout was intended to curb the spread of online misinformation and disinformation, prevent electoral fraud, and reduce the risk of incitement to violence that could undermine public confidence and national security during the election period. The letter was confirmed as authentic by government officials speaking to AFP.
No official public announcement accompanied the order, and officials privately told AFP that authorities did not wish to be directly associated with the decision. Essential government services were exempted from the shutdown.
The move comes ahead of Thursday’s polls in which President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, is seeking to extend his nearly four-decade rule. Uganda imposed a similar internet blackout during the 2021 elections, which were marred by allegations of widespread irregularities and a harsh crackdown on opposition figures.
Bobi Wine, the popular musician-turned-opposition leader who contested the 2021 election, is once again challenging Museveni.
In the weeks leading up to the vote, the government had repeatedly dismissed speculation about a possible internet shutdown, describing such claims as false and aimed at creating public fear. However, the suspension order was issued less than 48 hours before voting is set to begin, raising concerns among observers about transparency and freedom of expression during the electoral process.
