Ugandan authorities have ordered an web shutdown days earlier than the nation goes to the polls, elevating contemporary fears in regards to the equity of the upcoming elections.
The blackout was introduced on Tuesday, simply two days earlier than voting scheduled for 15 January.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, is looking for to increase his rule, which has already stretched near 40 years.
Discover about Uganda’s web circulates on-line
A public discover mentioned to be from the Uganda Communications Fee (UCC) has been circulating on Fb.
The discover outlines restrictions on web, cell cash and different communication companies earlier than, throughout and after the elections.
In line with the doc, cell cash companies could be shut down nationwide from 8 January 2026. Web entry shall be suspended per week earlier than polling day and stay unavailable throughout voting.
The discover additionally warns individuals to withdraw money upfront, claiming banking companies won’t be accessible through the election interval.
Was the doc faux?
Authorities have beforehand described comparable claims circulating on-line as false.
The UCC has rejected the discover, calling it “faux information” in a press release shared on its official X account.
“The Uganda Communications Fee (UCC) needs to tell the general public that the circulating discover is faux and was not issued by the Fee. UCC communicates solely by way of its verified platforms. Members of the general public are suggested to disregard the faux discover and depend on official UCC channels for correct data,” the regulator mentioned.
Uganda: UCC confirms web suspension
The UCC has since confirmed {that a} non permanent suspension of web entry and chosen cell companies shall be enforced through the election interval.
In a public discover issued on Wednesday, the regulator mentioned the choice adopted suggestions from the Inter-Company Safety Committee.
The measures, UCC mentioned, are aimed toward limiting the unfold of misinformation, stopping electoral fraud and decreasing the danger of violence throughout voting.
The fee harassed that the shutdown is non permanent and that important companies have been exempted to make sure vital programs proceed to operate.
Non-essential internet-based companies that may be delayed will stay suspended in the course of the election interval.
UCC acknowledged the inconvenience the restrictions could trigger however mentioned the measures had been obligatory to guard public order and the integrity of the electoral course of.
Uganda votes on 15 January
Ugandans are set to vote for the president, members of parliament, native leaders and special-interest group representatives.
Some voting will proceed within the days after 15 January.
Web restrictions throughout elections aren’t new in Uganda.
Through the 2021 polls, authorities blocked social media and restricted web entry, citing safety issues.
