KAMPALA, Uganda — As Uganda approaches its presidential election on January 15, 2026, digital activists and opposition voices face mounting pressure from state authorities.
While international law guarantees freedom of expression online, Uganda’s regulatory and legal framework has increasingly restricted this fundamental right, raising concerns among human rights groups and digital advocates.
Under international law, freedom of expression extends to digital spaces, protecting the right to share opinions via the internet and mobile devices.
Similarly, regional protections exist: the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights enshrines the right to receive and disseminate information, while the African Commission underscores that states must uphold freedom of expression online.
However, in Uganda, these rights are under constant threat.
The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, and the courts have affirmed that this includes digital expression. Yet the government continues to use domestic laws, including the Computer Misuse Act, the Anti-Terrorism Act, and the Uganda Communications Act, to monitor, control, and at times criminalise online dissent.
Digital activism under siege
Political activists increasingly rely on social media to communicate with citizens, particularly when traditional media platforms are inaccessible or censored.
Opposition figures such as Robert ‘Bobi Wine’ Kyagulanyi have turned to Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp to reach audiences when barred from radio and television broadcasts.
Despite these avenues, the state has repeatedly targeted online activists.
In 2016, Swaibu Nsamba Gwogyolonga was arrested under the Computer Misuse Act for posting an image of President Yoweri Museveni depicted as deceased. A year later, David Mugema and Jonah Muwanguzi faced similar charges for sharing a politically charged song online.
Perhaps the most high-profile case remains that of Stella Nyanzi, the human rights activist and former Makerere University lecturer. Nyanzi was convicted of cyber harassment after posting satirical criticisms of President Museveni and the First Lady on Facebook, including a poem referencing the president’s late mother.
These prosecutions illustrate how Uganda’s digital legal framework is used to suppress dissent, often contradicting constitutional protections.
Legal tools for surveillance
Beyond criminalisation, laws like the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act allow security agencies broad powers to intercept private communications, sometimes without judicial oversight.
Reports indicate that Ugandan authorities have collaborated with technology firms, including Huawei, to hack opposition figures’ phones, further blurring the line between surveillance and political intimidation.
The Uganda Communications Act gives the government authority to monitor and regulate telecommunications services.
In past elections, these provisions have been used to block access to critical media outlets such as Radio Katwe and restrict online commentary deemed unfavorable to the ruling government.
Internet shutdowns and social media taxes
In addition to legal pressure, the state has intermittently shut down the internet and blocked access to social media platforms.
In previous elections, these measures disrupted communication channels for both citizens and activists. The introduction of a social media tax, ostensibly to curb “gossip”—further limited access, particularly for younger Ugandans who rely on mobile data to stay informed.
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These restrictions undermine the role of digital media as a space for civic engagement and accountability.
Activists argue that online platforms are crucial for exposing corruption, sharing information, and mobilising voters, functions that are especially vital during election periods.
The stakes ahead of January 15 elections
As the 2026 elections draw near, Uganda faces a critical test of its commitment to digital freedom.
Human rights observers and media watchdogs warn that restrictions on social media and online news could stifle political debate, reduce transparency, and limit voters’ access to information.
Digital activism remains a key lifeline for political engagement in Uganda.
International law, regional protocols, and Uganda’s own constitution affirm the right to express opinions online. Yet the repeated use of legal, technical, and financial tools to silence dissent suggests that these rights are not guaranteed in practice.
For democracy to thrive, Ugandans must have secure and open digital spaces in which to debate, criticise, and hold leaders accountable.
Any erosion of these rights, particularly during the election period, threatens both free expression and the integrity of the democratic process.
