The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, has issued a strong warning to Ugandans about the use of BITchat, a decentralised messaging application gaining traction ahead of the January 15, 2026, general elections, cautioning that the platform should not be idealised as a failsafe communication tool or used to threaten stability.
Speaking in a media engagement on Monday, January 5, Thembo urged citizens to temper their enthusiasm for BITchat — especially messaging that suggests it could safeguard communication in the event of internet restrictions.
He emphasised that the regulator and government possess the “highest concentration of software engineers and developers” capable of monitoring or even disabling digital platforms if required under Uganda’s legal framework.
“Don’t be excited by BITchat. The government knows BITchat more than anybody in this country. We have the highest concentration of Software engineers in this country, paid by government for public good… You can’t use BITchat to disrupt peace. If you are using BITchat for good, wonderful,” Thembo said, underscoring that no app is beyond regulation.
BITchat — a decentralised, peer-to-peer messaging tool that can operate via Bluetooth mesh networks without traditional internet connections — has seen a surge in downloads in Uganda as some opposition figures promote it as a contingency communication channel should authorities restrict internet access during the election period.
Opposition activists — including presidential contender Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) — have encouraged supporters to adopt BITchat, citing past internet shutdowns during elections and positioning the app as a way to maintain communication and share information even if networks are disrupted.
However, Thembo stressed that while BITchat is not illegal, it is not immune from regulation and must be used responsibly, in compliance with Ugandan law. He reiterated that having technical expertise does not equate to intent to stifle communication, but that digital platforms, like any media, should operate within existing frameworks to ensure public order.
The warning comes amid broader concerns over digital space regulation as election day approaches, with UCC also issuing directives limiting live coverage of riots and unauthorized election result declarations on broadcast and online platforms to guard against misinformation and unrest.
While authorities maintain there is no official plan to switch off the internet during the elections, fears and rumors persist, with Ugandans actively discussing connectivity strategies and government control in online forums and social media circles.
