Activists slam Uganda internet shutdown, urge international community to reject poll results

Human rights defenders have raised concerns over the state of Uganda’s electoral process, condemning the suspension of internet services and accusing authorities of undermining the credibility of the vote.

In a press briefing issued in Nairobi on Wednesday, the activists condemned the shutdown of internet services imposed by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on Tuesday, saying the move undermines transparency during the General Election slated for Thursday, January 15.  

The group, led by VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, strongly criticised the Electoral Commission of Uganda, arguing that it lacks the capacity and independence to conduct a free and fair election. 

According to the defenders, the current political environment in the country fails to meet internationally recognised standards for a credible, transparent and democratic electoral process.

"What is unfolding is not a democratic exercise, but a state-sponsored campaign repression designed to subvert the will of the Ugandan people," the human rights groups stated. 

"We strongly condemn the Electoral Commission of Uganda for its gross incompetence and apparent complicity in sabotaging the democratic process."

In their statement, the human rights defenders pointed to claims previously made by President Yoweri Museveni, who they noted has said the Electoral Commission presided over a flawed 2021 election in which he allegedly lost more than 2.7 million votes, despite being declared the winner.

The group further accused the commission of a total lack of preparedness, citing widespread irregularities in the voter register. 

They claimed the register is riddled with discrepancies, including the presence of deceased persons and the disappearance of legitimate voters, particularly young people and opposition supporters.

According to the activists, a rapid scan of the register revealed multiple entries for individual voters.

They also alleged that the register had been manipulated to the extent that the ruling National Resistance Movement claims 20.1 million members out of a total of 21.6 million voters listed on the Electoral Commission’s register.

The statement also highlighted the arrest and detention of more than 10 activists, who the group said have been remanded for up to six years for merely expressing displeasure with the president, his wife, his children or the Speaker of Parliament.

The human rights defenders have now called on the international community to reject any election results they describe as fraudulent, urging increased scrutiny and accountability over Uganda’s electoral process.