Uganda Imposes Internet Shutdown Before Elections

Ugandan authorities imposed a nationwide internet shutdown on January 13, 2026, suspending public access to most online services two days before general elections scheduled for January 15. The Uganda Communications Commission ordered mobile network operators and internet service providers to block social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email, and messaging applications, citing the need to curb misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement to violence that could undermine national security and public confidence during the voting period.

The directive took effect at 6 p.m. local time and affected all access technologies, including mobile broadband, fiber-optic services, and satellite internet. Essential services such as hospital systems, banking networks, tax platforms, utilities, and the electoral commission's portal remained operational through whitelisted exemptions. The order also halted SIM card sales and registrations, as well as outbound data roaming to neighboring One Network Area countries. Independent monitors, including NetBlocks and Cloudflare Radar, reported a sharp nationwide drop in internet traffic shortly after...