The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has confirmed a nationwide shutdown of public internet traffic as the country prepares to vote in the January 15, 2026 General Election.
In a directive issued on January 13, UCC Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo instructed all licensed Mobile Network Operators and Internet Service Providers to suspend public internet access and selected mobile services during the election period.
The shutdown, which took effect at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, has left millions of Ugandans unable to access the internet, including popular platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and YouTube, as well as email services, web browsing, and video streaming.
According to the regulator, the decision followed a strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, with the aim of ensuring public safety, public order, and national security ahead of the polls.
“The suspension is necessary to mitigate risks that could affect public confidence and national security,” the UCC directive states.
In addition to blocking public internet access, the directive also ordered telecom companies to halt the sale and registration of new SIM cards and suspend outbound data roaming services to One Network Area countries.
Speaking to the media, Nyombi Thembo confirmed that the internet was deliberately shut down for what he described as a legitimate purpose, noting that similar measures have been taken during previous elections.
This is not the first time Ugandans have experienced an internet blackout during an election period. On January 12, 2021, access to social media platforms was blocked a day before the presidential elections, a move that drew criticism from civil society organisations, business owners, and digital rights activists.
UCC said the current suspension applies across all forms of connectivity, including mobile broadband, fibre, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links, and satellite internet services.
While non-essential public internet traffic has been blocked, the regulator noted that a strictly defined exclusion list has been created to allow continued access to essential services required for critical national functions. Access to such systems is limited to authorised personnel using secure and whitelisted channels.
The regulator did not indicate when internet services would be restored, saying the shutdown will remain in force until a formal restoration notice is issued.
Ugandans head to the polls on Thursday, January 15, to elect a president and members of parliament, with the internet shutdown coming two days before voting day.
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