Uganda Orders Temporary Internet Shutdown Ahead of Thursday Elections
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access and some mobile services beginning at 6 p.m. on January 13, 2026, during the present election period.
The rule, which was announced on Tuesday, applies to public internet access, SIM card purchases and registration, and outbound data roaming.
Meanwhile, it provided exemptions for critical services such as healthcare, banking, and government activities.
“Following a strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, the Uganda Communications Commission directs all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement a temporary suspension of the following services,” the directive stated.
BREAKING NEWS
— Truth FM (@TruthFMUg) January 13, 2026
UCC has ordered an Internet Shutdown in Uganda starting at 6:00pm today. pic.twitter.com/l1ieS5EHhB
According to the UCC, the shutdown aims to reduce the quick dissemination of online misinformation, disinformation, and electoral fraud, as well as prevent the provocation of violence that could undermine public trust and national security during the elections.
The regulation prohibits all non-essential public internet traffic, including access to social media platforms, web surfing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging apps.
The suspension also applies to mobile broadband (cellular), fibre optic, leased lines, fixed wireless access, microwave radio communications, and satellite internet service.
However, several important systems have been allowed to remain operational in order to maintain network stability and security.
⚠️ Confirmed: Live network data show a nation-scale disruption to internet connectivity in #Uganda; the measure comes days ahead of general elections and corresponds to a shutdown notice from the Uganda Communications Commission "to mitigate the rapid spread of misinformation" 📉 pic.twitter.com/01ZGYVRSuG
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) January 13, 2026
These restrictions are exclusively confined to the services required for network monitoring and management.
Ordinary mobile and public internet access remains prohibited, and operators must promptly stop any excluded systems used to circumvent the cutoff.
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On January 9, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni declared January 15 and 16, 2026, as public holidays to allow citizens time to take part in the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections, which will be held on Thursday, January 15.
The announcement was made by Museveni through a Legal Notice issued under the Public Holidays Act, Cap. 174, formally gazetted by the government ahead of the polls.
President Museveni and opposition leader Bobi Wine are the main contenders in the presidential race, marking their second face-off at the ballot.
Museveni, who is 81, won the 2021 election with 58 per cent of the vote against Bobi Wine’s 35 per cent, a poll that was overshadowed by allegations of rigging and a heavy crackdown on the opposition.
Uganda Orders Temporary Internet Shutdown Ahead of Thursday Elections
