Uganda’s government has imposed a nationwide internet shutdown less than 48 hours before Thursday’s presidential election, halting public access to mobile data and social media platforms in a move authorities say will curb “misinformation, disinformation and electoral fraud.” The blackout, ordered by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and effective from 6 p.m. local time Tuesday, comes amid heavy military deployments in Kampala and accusations of vote rigging, abductions, and lethal crackdowns on opposition rallies.
A preemptive blackout for “public safety”
The UCC directed all mobile operators to suspend public internet access, citing “strong recommendations” from security agencies to prevent online threats to “national stability.” NetBlocks confirmed a “near‑complete national internet blackout” shortly after 6 p.m., with mobile data down 95%. Voice calls and SMS remain operational, but hotels and some institutions retain access.
UCC executive director Nyombi Thembo defended the move as “precautionary,” reversing January 5 assurances that internet would stay open. Authorities banned new SIM registrations and warned they could disable workaround apps.
This marks the second election blackout; 2021’s lasted a week amid deadly post‑vote violence. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights condemned it as stifling expression.
Museveni vs. Wine: 40 years of rule at stake
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, seeks a seventh term since 1986, facing musician‑turned‑rallier Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi, 43). Museveni’s National Resistance Movement dominates but Wine’s National Unity Platform draws youth fed up with corruption, abductions, and hereditary succession.
Wine campaigned in flak jackets after assaults and supporter kidnappings, including four‑time rival Kizza Besigye’s treason charge. NUP urges “protest vote” and post‑poll vigilance against stuffing. International Crisis Group says Museveni has “effectively secured” victory through repression.
Troops in armored vehicles patrol Kampala since Saturday; voting starts Thursday, results expected weekend.
Crackdown and pre‑election violence
Security forces have killed dozens, abducted hundreds, and shut NGOs critical of the regime. U.N. Human Rights decried “widespread repression.” Wine calls it “war”: “They cannot abduct all of us.”
Bobi Wine posted the UCC letter on X, urging Bluetooth apps; UCC vowed to block them. Mobile money (40M daily transactions) halted, crippling economy.
Economic spark, regime fire
The rial collapse, triggered by U.S. sanctions ignited bazaar strikes and chants against proxy wars. Museveni blames “enemies”; Wine channels youth fury.
Blackouts aid rigging, per opposition. Tanzanian precedent: 2025 blackout hid violence.
Global eyes on Kampala
For U.S./EU readers, Uganda’s shutdown echoes Iran’s: authoritarian tool to choke dissent. Wine’s run tests Museveni’s grip amid youth bulge (77% under 35).
Markets watch stability; aid donors like U.S./EU decry repression. If Wine contests results, expect violence as in 2021 (50+ dead).
Thursday’s vote decides if Museveni’s 40 years extend—or if Africa’s youth revolt succeeds where predecessors failed.