Uganda Shuts Down Internet Ahead of Presidential Elections to Curb Misinformation

Uganda ordered a nationwide internet shutdown two days before presidential elections in which Yoweri Museveni faces opposition candidate Bobi Wine. The government said the move aims to prevent misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement to violence. Essential state services are exempt, and the shutdown will remain until authorities issue a restoration notice.

Uganda ordered a nationwide internet shutdown on Tuesday, just two days ahead of the country’s highly anticipated national elections. President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for decades, is running for re-election against opposition leader Bobi Wine, a popular musician-turned-politician. The Uganda Communications Commission, in a letter to internet service providers verified by government officials, said the measure was necessary to prevent the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, curb electoral fraud, and reduce the risk of incitement to violence that could undermine public confidence and national security during the election period.
The announcement of the internet suspension came as a surprise to many, given that the government had previously promised that online access would not be disrupted during the elections. On January 5, officials posted on Uganda’s official X account that any claims suggesting an internet shutdown were false, misleading, and designed to create unnecessary fear and tension among the public. Despite these assurances, the government implemented the shutdown, which was scheduled to take effect at 6:00 pm local time and would remain in force until a restoration notice is issued. The Uganda Communications Commission noted that essential state services would be exempt from the ban, ensuring that critical government operations could continue even as public internet access was restricted.
The timing of the shutdown has raised concerns among human rights advocates, civil society groups, and opposition supporters, who argue that limiting internet access could affect communication, reporting, and the transparency of the electoral process. Social media platforms and messaging services, often used by citizens to share information and coordinate election monitoring, will be unavailable to the public during this period.
Uganda’s elections are drawing intense attention both locally and internationally. Observers have highlighted the country’s political tensions, the high stakes of the presidential race, and concerns over potential unrest. The government has maintained that the internet suspension is a precautionary step to protect public safety and national security, emphasizing that the measure is temporary and will be lifted once it is deemed safe to restore full online access.
As the country moves closer to the elections, the shutdown adds another layer of uncertainty for voters, political campaigns, and observers, highlighting the delicate balance between security concerns and the public’s right to information in a democratic process.