The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered the temporary suspension of public internet access and selected mobile services during the election period slated for Thursday January 15, 2026.
In a directive issued on Tuesday, the commission noted that the measure aims at mitigating the spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and preventing incitement of violence that could affect national security.
UCC also directed Mobile Network Operators and Internet Service Providers to halt the sale and registration of new simcards as well as outbound data roaming services to one network area countries.
The suspension which took effect on Tuesday January 13 at 6:00 pm, is expected to remain in force until a restoration notice is issued by the UCC.
“The suspension is effective 13th January 2026, at 1800hrs and will remain in force until a restoration notice is issued by UCC. During this period, all non-essential public internet traffic must be blocked,” stated UCC Executive Director Thembo Nyombi.
According to UCC, the suspension will cover Mobile Broadband (Cellular), Fibre Optic, Leased Lines, Fixed Wireless Access, Microwave Radio Links, and Satellite Internet Services.
However, an exclusion list comprising of critical services, was established to ensure continuity of their functions. They include healthcare systems at national referral hospitals, financial services, and key government administrative services, including immigration, the electoral commission, voter verification, and vote tabulation networks.
Access to these excluded systems must be limited to authorized personnel and implemented through secure mechanisms such as VPNs.
UCC further urged the public to use alternative communication arrangements during the shutdown period and assured that services will be restored once the commission is satisfied that the elections have 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.
Opposition leader and presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, in a post shared on X platform, condemned the move, stating that it undermines democracy and restricts Ugandans freedom during the electioneering period.
“The criminal regime has announced an internet shutdown throughout Uganda, beginning 6 pm today, ahead of the election on Thursday,” Bobi Wine said adding that “Uganda will be free.”
