Uganda Shuts Down Internet Ahead of Presidential Election

The Ugandan government has ordered a nationwide shutdown of public internet access and certain mobile services ahead of the country’s presidential election on Thursday.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has instructed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to immediately suspend public internet services nationwide.

According to the UCC, the suspension begins at 6:00 p.m. on January 13, 2026, and will remain in effect until further notice.

The directive requires the suspension of public internet access, the sale and registration of new SIM cards, and outbound data roaming services to countries within the One Network Area.

The commission stated, “Following a strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, the Uganda Communications Commissions (UCC) duly directs all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement a temporary suspension of the following services: Public internet access; Sale and Registration of New Simcards; and Outbound data roaming services to One Network Area countries.

“This measure is necessary to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks, as well as preventing of incitement of violence that could affect public confidence and national security during the election period.”

Under the order, all non-essential public internet traffic must be blocked. The UCC specified that affected services include social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging applications.

The shutdown will cover multiple connectivity platforms, including mobile broadband, fibre optic networks, leased lines, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links, and satellite internet services.

However, the commission noted that a “strictly defined exclusion list” has been established to ensure continued access to essential systems required for critical national functions and network monitoring.

These exclusions apply only to non-mobile internet services and are accessible solely by authorised personnel through secure, whitelisted mechanisms such as dedicated IP ranges, VPNs, or private circuits.

“The suspension is effective 13th January 2026, at 1800hrs and will remain in force until a restoration notice is issued by the UCC. During this period, all non-essential public internet traffic must be blocked,” the commission said.

“Public internet traffic includes but not limited to social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging applications among others. The suspension applies to Mobile Broadband (Cellular), Fibre Optic, Leased Lines, Fixed Wireless Access, Microwave Radio Links, and Satellite Internet Services.”

“To safeguard public safety, critical national functions, and the operational integrity of communications infrastructure, a strictly defined exclusion list has been established by the UCC,” it added.

“These exclusions permit continued access to essential services and systems required for network monitoring and management and is strictly for non-mobile internet services. If operators detect abuse of internet services by excluded services and systems, immediate suspension is required.”

The UCC warned operators that any abuse of the excluded services would result in immediate suspension.

“Access to these excluded systems must be limited exclusively to authorized personnel and implemented through secure, whitelisted mechanisms (e.g., dedicated IP ranges, VPNs, or private circuits),” the statement said.