The directive was issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and took effect on Tuesday, January 13, at 6:00pm.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the UCC directed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to suspend public internet access across the country.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the UCC directed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to suspend public internet access across the country.
The shutdown affects social media platforms, messaging applications, web browsing, video streaming, and personal email services.
According to the UCC, the decision followed recommendations from the Inter-Agency Security Committee. The commission said the move is meant to maintain public order during the election period.
“This measure is necessary to prevent the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement of violence that could threaten national security and public confidence,” the UCC said in its directive.
The suspension also includes the sale and registration of new SIM cards and outbound data roaming services to One Network Area countries. The shutdown will remain in place until the UCC issues an official restoration notice.
While the internet ban affects most users, the commission said a limited number of essential services will remain operational.
According to the UCC, the decision followed recommendations from the Inter-Agency Security Committee. The commission said the move is meant to maintain public order during the election period.
“This measure is necessary to prevent the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement of violence that could threaten national security and public confidence,” the UCC said in its directive.
The suspension also includes the sale and registration of new SIM cards and outbound data roaming services to One Network Area countries. The shutdown will remain in place until the UCC issues an official restoration notice.
While the internet ban affects most users, the commission said a limited number of essential services will remain operational.
These exemptions apply only to non-mobile internet services and are meant for critical national functions such as network monitoring and management.
Access to these systems is restricted to authorized personnel using secure and approved connections.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine strongly criticised the shutdown, describing it as a deliberate attempt to block communication ahead of the election.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine strongly criticised the shutdown, describing it as a deliberate attempt to block communication ahead of the election.
In a statement, Wine said the government announced the shutdown just days before voters head to the polls.
“The criminal regime has announced an internet shutdown throughout Uganda ahead of the election,” Wine said, expressing concern over the impact on free expression and access to information.
The shutdown comes shortly after Wine appealed to SpaceX founder Elon Musk following the suspension of Starlink internet services in Uganda.
“The criminal regime has announced an internet shutdown throughout Uganda ahead of the election,” Wine said, expressing concern over the impact on free expression and access to information.
The shutdown comes shortly after Wine appealed to SpaceX founder Elon Musk following the suspension of Starlink internet services in Uganda.
Wine said the Starlink shutdown further limited citizens’ ability to communicate freely during a critical political period.
He argued that internet access is vital for democracy, especially during elections, and called for the restoration of services to allow Ugandans to share information and participate freely in the democratic process.
Uganda has previously experienced internet shutdowns during elections, drawing criticism from human rights groups and opposition leaders.
He argued that internet access is vital for democracy, especially during elections, and called for the restoration of services to allow Ugandans to share information and participate freely in the democratic process.
Uganda has previously experienced internet shutdowns during elections, drawing criticism from human rights groups and opposition leaders.
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