Ugandan authorities have dismissed claims that they intend to shut down internet access during next week’s general elections.
Concerns were reignited after the country’s leading opposition candidate repeated allegations that the government planned to disrupt online services to hinder mobilisation and the sharing of election results.
Those fears intensified on Friday when satellite internet provider Starlink limited its operations in Uganda following directives from the national communications regulator.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for four decades, is contesting the 15 January polls. His main rival is Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, a former musician turned politician.
The election mirrors the 2021 contest, which was marred by violent protests, dozens of deaths and a four-day nationwide internet blackout.
Ahead of the vote, the government has also imposed restrictions on live coverage of riots, illegal demonstrations and violent incidents, arguing that such broadcasts could heighten unrest and cause public panic.
However, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo rejected speculation about an internet shutdown, describing it as unfounded.
“There is currently no decision to switch off the internet,” Thembo told Capital FM, adding that the commission’s responsibility was to ensure stable and continuous connectivity across the country.
Similar assurances were issued by Amina Zawedde, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Communications and National Guidance, who said government had neither announced nor implemented any plans to disrupt internet services during the election period.
She warned that circulating false or inflammatory information online could create unnecessary fear and instability, stressing that digital platforms were subject to existing laws.
“Online spaces are not above the law,” Zawedde said, noting that the Computer Misuse Act governs internet conduct, including the spread of misinformation and offensive content.
She further emphasised that only the Electoral Commission is legally authorised to announce election results, warning that the publication of unverified figures is unlawful.
“Freedom of expression must be exercised within the confines of the law,” she said.
Despite official reassurances, the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has introduced an offline vote-tracking application in anticipation of a possible blackout. The app, named Bitchart, was launched by Bobi Wine and is designed to use Bluetooth technology to share images of polling station result forms and voting data without internet access.
In his New Year address, Bobi Wine accused the government of planning another shutdown similar to those imposed during previous elections, which he said were aimed at silencing citizens and obstructing transparency.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has alleged that Ugandan security forces are using intimidation tactics, including arbitrary arrests and torture, to suppress opposition supporters. The organisation claims to have documented cases of beatings and the use of tear gas against NUP supporters. The BBC has sought a response from the authorities.
Museveni came to power in 1986 after leading a rebel takeover of Kampala and has since won six elections, all of which opposition parties have challenged as fraudulent — accusations the government continues to deny.
