Uganda shuts down internet ahead of Thursday's General Election

In a directive issued by the regulator, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo stated that the move is aimed at safeguarding national security and maintaining public order during the electoral process by mitigating the spread of misinformation. disinformation and electoral fraud. 

The directive is set to commence on Tuesday, January 13, at 6:00 pm. 

UCC instructed service providers to temporarily disable access to social media platforms, mobile data services and other selected internet-based communication channels for the duration of the voting exercise and the immediate post-election period.

The commission said the decision was taken in line with its mandate under the Uganda Communications Act, which empowers it to regulate communication services in the interest of national security and public safety.

Several entities were, however, excluded from the directive, citing that authorised personnel will be allowed to access the internet during the period through a secure, whitelisted mechanism such as private circuits, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and dedicated Internet Protocol (IP) ranges.

These include essential public services such as healthcare, financial services, administrative services, transportation and aviation control systems, SIM swaps and SIM upgrade systems, security and cybersecurity systems, network management and monitoring tools. 

Internet providers were further directed to ensure full compliance with the order and warned that failure to implement the directive would attract regulatory sanctions as provided for under the law.

UCC advised the public to make alternative communication arrangements during the period of the shutdown and assured Ugandans that services would be restored once the commission is satisfied that the election process has concluded safely.

"The UCC acknowledges the operational challenges this directive may impose and appreciates your full cooperation in upholding national stability during this sensitive period," the statement read in part. 

Uganda has previously imposed internet restrictions during election periods, a practice authorities argue is necessary to curb misinformation and potential unrest, but which has drawn criticism from civil society groups and digital rights advocates.

The January 15 polls are expected to be closely watched amid heightened political activity and security deployments across the country as incumbent President Yoweri Museveni seeks re-election after 40 years in power.