Uganda Orders Nationwide Internet Shutdown Ahead of General Elections
KAMPALA – In a sweeping move aimed at curbing electoral risks, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered all licensed telecom operators and internet service providers to suspend public internet access and key mobile services starting Tuesday evening.
The directive, issued on January 13, 2026, and signed by Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo, takes effect at 6:00 p.m. and will remain until further notice. The order comes just two days before the country heads to the polls for general elections on Thursday, January 15.
What is being shut down
According to the UCC circular sent to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), the following services are to be temporarily suspended:
· Public internet access
· Sale and registration of new SIM cards
· Outbound data roaming to One Network Area countries
The commission stated the measure is necessary “to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks, as well as preventing incitement of violence that could affect public confidence and national security during the election period.”
All forms of public internet traffic—including social media, web browsing, video streaming, personal email, and messaging apps—must be blocked across mobile broadband, fiber optic, leased lines, fixed wireless, microwave, and satellite services.
Exemptions for essential services
A strict “exclusion list” has been provided to ensure critical national infrastructure remains operational. Exempted services, which are limited to non-mobile internet access, include:
· Healthcare systems at national referral hospitals
· Core banking networks, ATM systems, interbank transfers, and government payment gateways
· Critical government administrative services (immigration, electoral commission portals, voter verification, result tabulation)
· Utilities management (power grid, water supply, fuel distribution)
· Transportation and aviation control systems (air traffic control, railway signaling)
· SIM swap and upgrade systems under existing regulations
Access to these exempted systems must be restricted to authorized personnel via secure, whitelisted channels such as dedicated IP ranges, VPNs, or private circuits.
Strict compliance required
The UCC has warned operators against extending the exemption list or allowing public bypass methods. Mobile VPN services must be disabled on all networks. Companies unable to implement the directive are required to shut down their entire internet infrastructure for the duration of the suspension.
Non-compliance will result in “severe sanctions, including fines and potential license suspension.”
Context and reaction
The announcement has sparked immediate concern among digital rights advocates and citizens. Internet shutdowns during elections are not new in Uganda; similar measures were implemented during previous election cycles, raising criticism over freedom of expression and access to information.
The UCC acknowledged “the operational challenges this directive may impose” but appealed for cooperation “in upholding national stability during this sensitive period.”
As of 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Ugandans are expected to lose access to popular communication platforms, while essential services continue under tightly controlled conditions.
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