Uganda internet blackout complicates election monitoring

Former Rwandan minister Edda Mukabagwiza, the head of the EAC mission, flags off the Election Observation Mission to Uganda on January 13, 2026.

Photo credit: Pool

Uganda was plunged into a nationwide internet shutdown on Tuesday, just two days before Thursday’s general election, raising fresh concerns over transparency, freedom of expression and the ability of election observers to monitor the vote.

The disruption followed a directive by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordering internet service providers to suspend public internet access from 6pm, halt the sale and registration of new SIM cards, and disable outbound roaming to neighbouring East African Community countries.