Uganda switches off public internet on eve of polls despite earlier denials

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Uganda, January 13 ,2026 - Uganda’s communications regulator has ordered a temporary shutdown of public internet services, a move that takes effect on Tuesday evening—just a day before the country heads to the polls. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said the suspension began at 6.00pm on January 13, 2026, and will remain in place “until a restoration notice is issued”, citing security concerns linked to Thursday’s general election.

The decision follows a recommendation by the Inter-Agency Security Committee, which warned of the risks posed by the rapid spread of online misinformation and election-related content that could inflame tensions. “The suspension is effective 13th January 2026, at 1800hrs and will remain in force until a restoration notice is issued by UCC. During this period, all non-essential public internet traffic must be blocked,” said UCC Executive Director Thembo Nyombi.

Under the directive, access to social media platforms, personal email services, web browsing, video streaming and messaging applications will be cut. The shutdown applies across mobile broadband, fibre optic connections, leased lines, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links and satellite internet services.

UCC, however, said it has put in place exemptions to ensure continuity of critical services. Limited access will be allowed for essential sectors such as healthcare at national referral hospitals, financial services and key government systems, including immigration, the electoral commission, voter verification and vote tallying platforms.

Access to these services will be restricted to authorised personnel and delivered through secure channels such as dedicated IP ranges, VPNs or private circuits. The regulator warned that any misuse of the exemption list would lead to immediate withdrawal of access.

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The move comes days after Ugandan authorities dismissed reports of a planned internet blackout as “mere rumours”, insisting the commission’s role was to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity nationwide. President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is seeking another term in Thursday’s vote. His main challenger is 43-year-old opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.

Tensions have been rising in the run-up to the election, with Kyagulanyi warning of possible demonstrations if the process is viewed as flawed. “If General Museveni rigs the election, we shall call for protests,” he told AFP from his home in Kampala, adding, “We've told the people not to wait for our instruction.”

Observers note that internet restrictions around elections are not uncommon in the region. Last Friday, satellite internet provider Starlink limited its services in Uganda following an order from the communications regulator, further fuelling concerns over digital restrictions.

Separately, the government has also banned live broadcasts of riots, “unlawful processions” and other violent incidents ahead of the vote, arguing that such coverage could “escalate tensions and spread panic”. Despite the latest directive, UCC officials had previously maintained that reports of an internet shutdown were unfounded—a position now overtaken by events as the country enters a tightly watched election period.