By Spy Uganda
The government has dismissed claims that it intends to shut down the internet during Uganda’s January 15 general elections, amid mounting public anxiety driven by memories of past election-related blackouts and growing digital misinformation.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Monday, Dr Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, described the claims as false, misleading, and designed to inflame public fear during a sensitive electoral period.
“The government has not announced, directed, or implemented any decision to shut down the internet during the election period,” Zawedde said. “Claims suggesting otherwise are false and deliberately misleading.”
Her remarks come as Uganda enters the final stretch of campaigning, with political activity increasingly shifting online and speculation spreading across social media platforms that the internet could be switched off as early as January 8, alongside disruptions to banking and mobile money services.
Uganda’s history of internet shutdowns, most notably during the 2016 and 2021 general elections, has left lasting public scepticism. In 2021, the government imposed a near-total internet blackout days before polling, citing national security concerns, a move widely criticised by civil society, opposition parties, and international observers as disproportionate and unconstitutional.
That legacy has resurfaced in the current election cycle. The rumours gained further traction after the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu urged supporters to prepare alternative communication channels, warning that authorities could again restrict digital access.
Election observers, including Parliament Watch Uganda, say such fears reflect a broader trust deficit between citizens and state institutions, particularly on issues of transparency, digital rights, and electoral integrity.
Under Article 61 of the 1995 Constitution, the Electoral Commission (EC) holds the exclusive mandate to organise, conduct, and supervise elections, including the declaration of results. Meanwhile, the Computer Misuse Act, the Uganda Communications Act, and the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, regulate online conduct, misinformation, and the use of digital platforms.
Zawedde emphasised that while misinformation is common during elections, misuse of ICT platforms, especially the illegal declaration or broadcast of unverified or premature election results, remains a criminal offence.
“The authority to announce election results rests solely with the Electoral Commission. Any parallel or premature declarations undermine the law and public order,” she said.
Zawedde said the Ministry, working with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has intensified nationwide engagements with broadcasters and digital media actors to promote responsible election reporting.
“We have engaged broadcasters and media stakeholders across the country to reinforce professionalism, ethical conduct, and accountability in election coverage,” she said. She warned that media freedom does not extend to incitement, false reporting, or content that undermines the credibility of the electoral process.
“Responsible media coverage during elections is not optional. It is essential for peace, public order, and national stability.” Zawedde added that live broadcasting or streaming of riots, unlawful processions, or violent incidents during elections is prohibited, noting that such content can escalate panic and instability.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo reinforced the government’s position, saying there is no indication of planned internet disruptions during the election period. He said consultations with telecom operators, government agencies, and consumers have revealed no adverse developments affecting connectivity.
“We have not received any reports suggesting interruptions to internet access during this election period,” Nyombi said.
He cautioned the public against amplifying speculation on social media, adding that any future restrictions, if ever imposed, would only be in response to misuse rather than premeditated regulatory action.
“If there were to be a shutdown, blame those who want to weaponise our good internet for purposes that undermine its benefits,” he said.
Nyombi also addressed speculation surrounding Starlink and other unlicensed digital services such as BitChat, clarifying that delays in Starlink’s operation in Uganda are unrelated to the elections.
He said Starlink’s pending status stems from a prolonged licensing process that began well before the current election cycle.
“Elections were not there when Starlink applied. I don’t think Starlink applied to operate in Uganda because of elections,” Nyombi said.
For governance monitors like Parliament Watch Uganda, the debate over internet access underscores deeper democratic challenges. As Uganda approaches polling day, observers say the government’s assurances will be judged not by statements, but by conduct.
With over 21 million registered voters and a youth-heavy electorate that relies heavily on digital platforms for information, the handling of internet access during this election is widely seen as a litmus test for Uganda’s democratic maturity.
Whether the state upholds open communication or reverts to restrictive measures may shape not only voter confidence, but the credibility of the January 15 polls themselves.
