Uganda internet shutdown before election

Uganda has shut down the internet across the country just two days before the general election. The government claims it wants to prevent the spread of false information, rumours, and election-related cheating. The Uganda Communications Commission informed phone and internet service providers of its decision in a letter.

President Yoweri Museveni is seeking re-election. If he wins, he will continue to lead Uganda for another 40 years. It will be his seventh term in office. Many citizens and international observers are closely watching the election to see how it plays out.

Experts warn that shutting down the internet could make the election less fair. Access Now, a global digital rights group has now claimed that governments use internet shutdowns to influence election results and limit democratic participation. In a statement on January 12, Access Now cautioned President Museveni that blocking online access could harm human rights.

Since 2011, Uganda has frequently limited internet access before elections. Social media and other online platforms are sometimes blocked to quell protests or unrest. Earlier this year, Uganda requested that Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, cease operations in the country. Officials stated that Starlink was illegal and unlicensed. On January 1, the company turned off all of its Ugandan terminals.

Uganda is not the only country that implements internet restrictions during elections. In Iran, the government recently slowed satellite internet by about 80% in some areas. Experts say that blocking the internet makes it harder for people to share news, report problems, and communicate with family during elections.

With the internet now off, many Ugandans may struggle to follow election updates or stay in touch with others. Digital rights groups continue to call for a fair and free election where everyone can participate safely.