The Ugandan government has imposed a complete internet blackout starting Monday evening ahead of Thursday’s general elections, in a move critics say aims to silence dissent and restrict information flow during the critical voting period.
The shutdown, which took effect at 6:00 PM local time on January 13, 2026, follows a directive from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to all licensed telecommunications operators in the country.
In a statement issued by President Yoweri Museveni’s government, the UCC ordered Mobile Network Operators and Internet Service Providers to implement a temporary suspension of public internet access, citing security concerns.
“This measure is necessary to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks, as well as preventing of incitement of violence that could affect public confidence and national security during the election period,” the commission stated in its directive.
The sweeping restrictions affect all forms of internet connectivity, including social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging applications.
The blackout extends across mobile broadband, fiber optic networks, fixed wireless access, and satellite internet services.
Beyond internet access, the government has also suspended the sale and registration of new SIM cards and blocked outbound data roaming services to One Network Area countries for an indefinite period.
The directive, which the UCC says follows “a strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee,” provided no timeline for restoration of services. According to the commission, the suspension “will remain in force until a restoration notice is issued by the UCC.”
While the government has established exceptions for what it calls “critical national functions,” these are limited to authorized personnel accessing specific systems through secure VPNs or private circuits. The UCC warned that “if operators detect abuse of internet services by excluded services and systems, immediate suspension is required.”
The internet shutdown affects millions of Ugandans who depend on mobile connectivity for communication, financial transactions, and access to information during what many consider a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic process.
This is not the first time Uganda has resorted to internet restrictions during elections, raising concerns among human rights advocates about freedom of expression and citizens’ right to information during critical electoral periods.
