Uganda’s opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has called on his supporters to download Bitchat, a decentralised messaging app, ahead of the January 15, 2026, general elections, citing fears that the government may once again shut down internet and social media services.
Speaking to supporters online and through social media posts, Wine referenced previous election-related blackouts under President Yoweri Museveni, including a four-day nationwide shutdown during the 2021 elections, warning that the regime could again cut off communications to limit coordination among citizens.
“HAVE YOU DOWNLOADED BITCHAT YET? As we all know, the regime is plotting an internet shutdown in the coming days, as they have done in all previous elections. They switch off the internet to block communication and ensure that citizens do not organise, verify election results, and demand accountability over the massive election theft,” Wine wrote on Twitter.
He explained that Bitchat allows users to communicate without internet or mobile networks, using Bluetooth to send messages, images of polling materials such as DR Forms, and other critical election information. The app, launched in July by Jack Dorsey, does not require phone numbers or email addresses and has previously been used during protests in Madagascar and Nepal.
Wine encouraged widespread adoption of the app, tweeting: “DAILY REMINDER TO DOWNLOAD BITCHAT FROM APP STORES OR SHARE THE APP WITH COMRADES WHO DON’T HAVE IT YET. WE SHALL USE IT FOR COMMUNICATION IN CASE THE REGIME DISABLES THE INTERNET AHEAD OF THE #ProtestVote2026.”
Supporters echoed his call. Former prisons warder Lawrence Ampe COP AMPE (@UgandanMind) wrote: “Let’s have it for easy communication after removing Internet connection during elections,” and later added:
“As we come closer to a reason for liberation, I call upon every Ugandan to remain strong and firm because victory is ours although it’s not on a silver plate.”
In another message of solidarity, COP AMPE highlighted the stakes of the movement: “Your struggle is helping shape a new Uganda. Standing in solidarity with @HEBobiwine and every Ugandan courageously demanding dignity, justice, and accountability. The sacrifices being made today are planting seeds of hope for generations to come. Your resilience reminds the world that real change begins with people who refuse to give up.”
Bitchat is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and supporters are urged to familiarise themselves with the app to ensure communication during potential disruptions of internet services ahead of the elections.
As Uganda approaches the 2026 polls, opposition figures and civil society groups remain on high alert, emphasising voter coordination and accountability in a political environment where internet shutdowns and restrictions on digital communications have become a recurrent challenge.
