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Uganda Orders Internet Shutdown Ahead of Presidential Elections

KAMPALA – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access and selected mobile services effective 6pm on January 13, 2026, citing security concerns during the ongoing election period.

The directive, issued on Tuesday, affects public internet access, SIM card sales and registration, and outbound data roaming. However, exemptions have been granted to essential services including healthcare, banking, and government operations.

“Following a strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, the Uganda Communications Commission directs all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement a temporary suspension of the following services,” the directive stated.

Justification for Shutdown

UCC officials said the shutdown aims to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, and electoral fraud, as well as prevent the incitement of violence that could undermine public confidence and national security during the elections.

Under the directive, all non-essential public internet traffic will be blocked, including access to social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging applications.

The suspension extends to mobile broadband (cellular), fibre optic connections, leased lines, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links, and satellite internet services.

Limited Exemptions

Certain critical systems have been allowed to remain online to ensure network stability and security. These exclusions are strictly limited to essential services needed for monitoring and managing network infrastructure.

Ordinary mobile and public internet access remains blocked, and operators are required to immediately suspend any excluded systems that are misused to bypass the shutdown.

Election Context

On January 9, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni declared January 15 and 16, 2026, as public holidays to allow citizens time to participate in the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections, scheduled for Thursday, January 15.

The announcement was made through a Legal Notice issued under the Public Holidays Act, Cap. 174, and formally gazetted by the government ahead of the polls.

The holidays will be observed nationwide, applying to both public and private institutions, as Uganda prepares for what is expected to be a closely watched election.

Key Contenders

President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking another term. The elections will also determine the composition of Parliament.

Uganda’s 21.6 million registered voters will participate in three separate elections: the presidential contest, the election of 353 constituency Members of Parliament, and the selection of 146 women representatives, one from each district.

President Museveni and opposition leader Bobi Wine are the main contenders in the presidential race, marking their second face-off at the ballot.

Museveni, who is 81, won the 2021 election with 58 percent of the vote against Bobi Wine’s 35 percent. That poll was overshadowed by allegations of rigging and a heavy crackdown on opposition supporters.