By Spy Uganda
Kampala — Just 48 hours before millions of Ugandans head to the polls, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered an immediate and sweeping suspension of public internet access and mobile services across the country.
The directive, issued Tuesday evening under reference ECO/436, took effect at 18:00 local time (6:00 PM) on January 13, 2026. Signed by UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the order mandates all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to halt “non-essential” digital services until further notice.
Security Over Connectivity
According to the UCC, the decision follows a “strong recommendation” from the Inter-Agency Security Committee. The government maintains that the shutdown is a preventive measure to curb the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and the potential incitement of violence during what has been a highly charged campaign season.
The directive explicitly bans:
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Public Internet Access: Including social media, video streaming, and personal messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
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Mobile Services: The sale and registration of new SIM cards.
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Roaming: Outbound data roaming to “One Network Area” countries.
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VPNs: Operators have been instructed to disable mobile Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to prevent users from bypassing the block.
A Nation At A Crossroads
The shutdown comes at a pivotal moment for the country. Over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots this Thursday, January 15, in a race that sees long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, 81, seeking a seventh term. He faces a formidable challenge from 43-year-old Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine, whose National Unity Platform (NUP) has energized a massive youth demographic.
Exemptions for “Critical” Infrastructure
To avoid a total economic collapse, the UCC has whitelisted specific “non-mobile” services deemed essential for national stability. These include:
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Financial Services: Core banking, ATMs, and interbank transfers.
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Healthcare: Systems at National Referral Hospitals.
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Government Operations: The Electoral Commission’s voter verification and result tabulation networks.
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Utilities: Power grid management and water supply systems.
However, the regulator warned that these exemptions are narrow. “Operators are prohibited from allowing any public bypass,” the directive reads, adding that any technical breaches must be reported to the commission within 30 minutes.
Backlash & Concerns
The move has drawn sharp criticism from digital rights advocates and international observers, who argue that cutting off communication hinders transparency and prevents the reporting of potential electoral malpractice.
In the days leading up to the shutdown, UN experts had already expressed concern over a “climate of fear” in the country. The UCC, however, insists the measures are necessary to “uphold national stability during this sensitive period.”
The UCC has stated that services will only be restored via a “phased restoration plan” once an explicit written notice is issued by the regulator.
The world now watches as Uganda enters a digital “silence period” ahead of one of its most consequential elections in decades.
