The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered a nationwide shutdown of public internet access effective today, January 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m..
This directive comes just shortly before the country’s general elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Security Measures Amid Election Tension
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo issued the directive following a “strong recommendation” from the Inter-Agency Security Committee.
The measure aims to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation and disinformation, prevent electoral fraud and related security risks and stifle incitement to violence that could affect public confidence during the polling period.
The suspension is comprehensive, applying to mobile broadband, fibre optic, satellite internet, and outbound data roaming. Authorities have also suspended the sale and registration of new SIM cards until further notice.
Critical Exemptions and Economic Impact
To maintain essential national functions, the UCC has established a “strictly defined exclusion list”.
Services remaining operational include healthcare systems at national referral hospitals, financial services, including core banking networks, ATMs, and interbank transfers and government administrative services, specifically voter verification and vote tabulation networks.
While the government cites security, the shutdown mirrors similar actions taken during the 2016 and 2021 elections. In 2021, a 100-hour blackout cost the Ugandan economy an estimated Shs390 billion.
What’s Next?
As the 21.6 million registered voters prepare for Thursday’s polls, the internet remains dark for the general public.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, is seeking a seventh term against challengers including Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) and Nathan Nandala Mafabi.
