Uganda has ordered a nationwide suspension of internet services ahead of Thursday’s general election, citing security concerns and the need to prevent online misinformation and election related violence.
The Uganda Communications Commission directed all service providers to halt internet access from Tuesday evening, saying the move was intended to protect public safety and national stability during what it described as a sensitive period. No timeline was given for when services would be restored.
The decision follows earlier denials by the regulator that an internet blackout was planned. During the 2021 elections, internet access was cut for at least a week amid protests that left dozens dead.
Mobile data users reported losing access shortly after the order came into effect, although some businesses, including major hotels, continued to have wireless connections. Voice calls and basic text messaging services are expected to remain available.
In a letter to telecom operators, the commission said it was acting on strong recommendations from security agencies, including the army and police, describing the shutdown as a precautionary step to prevent incitement and the misuse of digital platforms.
Thursday’s vote is a rematch of the 2021 presidential race, with 81 year old President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for four decades, seeking another term against his main challenger, opposition leader and former pop star Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. Six other candidates are also contesting the election.
Museveni has campaigned on continuity and stability under the slogan “Protecting the Gains”, while Bobi Wine has rallied supporters around a “Protest Vote” message calling for urgent change and generational renewal.
Bobi Wine shared the shutdown order on social media and urged supporters to download a Bluetooth based messaging app to stay in contact. The communications authority later warned that it could also restrict the app’s operation.
The opposition leader condemned the internet suspension, describing those behind the decision as cowards.