Uganda Orders Internet Shutdown Ahead of General Election

Uganda’s communications regulator has ordered a temporary shutdown of internet services starting today, January 13, 2026, just two days before the country’s general election scheduled for Thursday, January 15.

In a statement, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said the decision followed recommendations from the Inter-Agency Security Committee. The directive requires all mobile network operators and internet service providers to suspend public internet access until further notice.

“Following a strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, the Uganda Communications Commissions (UCC) duly directs all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement a temporary suspension of the following services,” the notice reads in part.

The shutdown affects public internet use, the sale and registration of new SIM cards, and outbound data roaming services to countries within the One Network Area. However, the UCC said essential services such as healthcare, banking, and key government systems will continue to operate.

According to the regulator, the measure is aimed at limiting the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and election-related fraud, as well as preventing incitement to violence during the election period. The UCC said these risks could undermine public confidence and national security.

To maintain critical national functions, the commission has allowed restricted access to essential systems through non-mobile internet services only. These include healthcare systems at national referral hospitals, core banking and payment systems, immigration and electoral commission platforms, utilities such as power and water management systems, and transport and aviation control networks. SIM swap and upgrade services under existing regulations will also remain operational.

The UCC warned that access to these systems must be limited strictly to authorised personnel using secure and approved connections. Social media platforms and messaging applications are not allowed within the permitted service environments. Operators have been instructed to disable mobile VPN services and submit details of approved systems to the regulator immediately.

Any operator unable to comply with the directive has been ordered to shut down its entire internet infrastructure for the duration of the suspension. The UCC said failure to follow the instructions will result in heavy penalties, including fines and possible suspension of operating licences.

The announcement comes days after Ugandan authorities publicly denied plans to shut down the internet during the election period. Opposition leaders had earlier claimed the government intended to block internet access to stop mobilisation and the sharing of election results.

Concerns intensified on Friday when satellite internet provider Starlink restricted its services in Uganda following an order from the communications regulator.

President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for about 40 years, is seeking another term in the January 15 election. His main challenger is opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, a former pop star.

Uganda imposed a similar internet shutdown during the 2021 elections, when widespread protests erupted and dozens of people were killed. The internet was cut for four days during that period.

Separately, the government has also banned live broadcasts of riots, unlawful processions, and violent incidents ahead of the vote, saying such coverage could increase tensions and cause panic.