Ugandan officials have rejected suggestions that the government will cut internet services during the 15 January 2026 general elections, calling such stories baseless attempts to stir panic.
With President Yoweri Museveni running for another term after four decades in power, main rival Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) has voiced fears that any disruption could mask vote tampering.
Official Assurance: No Blackout Planned
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) insisted its role is to keep networks running smoothly. Director Nyombi Thembo said no instructions exist to interrupt access.
Ministry of Communications official Amina Zawedde added reminders about online rules:
- All digital activity falls under the Computer Misuse Act
- Only the Electoral Commission can release official results
- Spreading false information or inflammatory posts is prohibited
Opposition’s Backup Plan
Doubts persist due to the full four-day internet block during the 2021 vote. The National Unity Platform (NUP) has launched “Bitchart,” an app that lets polling agents exchange result photos and data via Bluetooth even without web access.
Bobi Wine says the tool is vital to ensure transparency if connections suddenly fail.
Broader Digital Tensions
Recent restrictions on Starlink services and concerns from groups like Amnesty International over treatment of opposition backers have heightened international watchfulness.
The government insists the upcoming poll will be open and fair, brushing off long-running claims of voter pressure as Museveni seeks his sixth victory since 1986.
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