KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan authorities have officially refuted claims that they intend to suspend internet access during the upcoming general elections scheduled for January 15, 2026. The denial comes as political tensions escalate between the long-serving incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni, and his primary challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine.
Concerns over a digital blackout intensified following the recent restriction of Starlink satellite services in the country and a government ban on live broadcasts of “unlawful processions” and riots.
However, George William Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), dismissed these fears as baseless.
“As of now, there is no resolution to switch off the internet,” Nyombi Thembo told Vivid Voice News, asserting that the commission is committed to maintaining nationwide connectivity.
Amina Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and National Guidance, echoed this stance, describing reports of a shutdown as misleading and designed to incite panic.
“Government has not announced, directed, or implemented any decision to shut down the internet during the election period,” she stated.
Legal warnings and content regulation
While promising uninterrupted access, Dr. Zawedde issued a stern warning regarding online conduct, emphasizing that the Computer Misuse Act remains in full effect.
“Digital platforms are not exempt from the law,” Zawedde said. She reminded the public that the Electoral Commission holds the exclusive mandate to declare results, adding, “Freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and within the framework of the law.”
The National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Bobi Wine, remains skeptical of the government’s assurances, citing the four-day internet blackout that occurred during the 2021 polls.
In response, the party has unveiled “Bitchart,” an offline vote-monitoring application that utilizes Bluetooth technology to share polling station data and images without requiring an active internet connection.
During his New Year’s address, Bobi Wine accused the administration of following a familiar playbook of digital suppression.
Also Read: Starlink and Uganda’s 2026 election battle: Who controls the internet controls the vote
“As we all know, the regime is plotting an internet shutdown, as they have done in past elections, to block communication and prevent citizens from organising, verifying results, and demanding accountability,” he claimed.
The lead-up to the 2026 election has been marred by allegations of human rights abuses.
Amnesty International recently accused Ugandan security forces of employing arbitrary arrests and torture to suppress NUP supporters.
While the government has historically denied such allegations, Vivid Voice News has formally requested a response to the latest findings.
President Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, is seeking to extend his 40-year tenure.
This election marks a high-stakes rematch of the 2021 contest, which was characterized by widespread unrest and dozens of fatalities.
