Uganda Orders Internet Shutdown Ahead of Election, Citing Security Concerns

Uganda has ordered a nationwide suspension of internet access ahead of Thursday’s general election, reviving memories of past shutdowns and raising concerns among opposition figures, civil society groups, and digital rights advocates. The move was announced by the Uganda Communications Commission, which instructed all internet service providers to halt connectivity in the days surrounding the vote.

The commission said the decision was taken on public safety grounds, arguing that restricting internet access would help prevent the spread of online misinformation, disinformation, and electoral fraud. It also said the shutdown was necessary to reduce the risk of incitement to violence during the sensitive election period. Officials framed the measure as a temporary step to safeguard stability as Ugandans head to the polls.

The announcement marks a sharp reversal from the commission’s position earlier this month, when it dismissed reports of a possible internet blackout as mere rumours. At that time, the regulator said its role was to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across the country, a statement that reassured businesses and voters who rely heavily on online platforms for communication and information.

Uganda’s elections have long been contentious, often accompanied by allegations of irregularities and heavy-handed security responses. During the last general election in 2021, authorities imposed an internet shutdown that lasted at least a week. That vote was followed by widespread protests, during which dozens of people were killed, according to rights groups. The memory of those events has heightened anxiety around the latest decision.

Opposition politicians and activists say cutting internet access undermines transparency and limits the ability of citizens to monitor the electoral process. Social media and messaging platforms have become central tools for reporting incidents at polling stations, sharing results, and organizing observers. Critics argue that shutting down connectivity disproportionately affects ordinary citizens while doing little to address the root causes of electoral tension.

Digital rights organisations have also warned about the economic and social impact of internet blackouts. Uganda’s economy has become increasingly dependent on digital services, with many small businesses relying on mobile money, online marketing, and e-commerce. A nationwide shutdown disrupts financial transactions, access to information, and communication with the outside world, costs that are borne largely by the public.

The government has consistently defended internet restrictions during elections as necessary to maintain order. Officials say online platforms can amplify false information and inflame tensions in a politically charged environment. They argue that temporary restrictions are a preventive measure rather than a punishment, and insist that access will be restored once the situation stabilises.

International observers are watching the situation closely. Election-related internet shutdowns have drawn criticism from regional and global bodies, which say such measures conflict with commitments to free expression and open elections. Uganda’s decision places it among a growing number of countries that have used connectivity restrictions as a tool during political events.

For many Ugandans, the shutdown has practical as well as symbolic consequences. Journalists face obstacles in reporting developments in real time, while voters lose access to independent information sources. In rural areas, where traditional media coverage is limited, the internet has become a vital channel for political engagement.

As polling day approaches, uncertainty remains over how long the blackout will last and whether additional restrictions will be imposed. Past experience suggests connectivity may not be restored immediately after voting ends. The decision has once again highlighted the tension between security arguments and democratic freedoms in Uganda’s electoral process.