Internet Blackout and Civil Liberties Crackdown Deepen Tensions Ahead of Uganda’s Election

Summary

Uganda entered its final hours before Thursday’s presidential election under an unprecedented communications blackout and heightened security deployment, raising serious concerns among rights groups, journalists, and election observers.

Authorities ordered a nationwide shutdown of internet services, affecting mobile data, broadband, satellite connections, and the sale of new SIM cards. The Uganda Communications Commission stated that the suspension was necessary to curb misinformation and protect national security, although digital rights organisations and civil society groups argue that the move undermines transparency and restricts access to essential information.

The blackout follows a pattern seen in previous Ugandan elections, including the 2021 vote, when a near-total shutdown lasted several days and coincided with reports of violence and arbitrary arrests. Rights organisations—including Chapter Four Uganda and the Human Rights Network for Journalists in Uganda—were ordered to halt their operations, with regulators citing unspecified security concerns. These groups had been documenting alleged abuses against journalists and opposition supporters in the lead-up to the vote.

A heavy military and police presence was reported across Kampala and other major towns, with troops deployed near polling stations, government buildings, and key intersections. Opposition figures and analysts say the show of force risks intimidating voters and suppressing political participation. Previous election cycles have seen clashes between security forces and opposition supporters, as well as restrictions on media coverage and public gatherings.

Digital rights advocates, including Paradigm Initiative and Amnesty International, condemned the shutdown as a violation of freedom of expression and a breach of Uganda’s constitutional and international human rights obligations. They warned that cutting off communication during a politically sensitive period creates an “information vacuum” that may conceal potential abuses and erode public trust in the electoral process.

As Ugandans prepare to vote, concerns remain high over the fairness of the electoral environment, the safety of journalists, and the ability of citizens to access reliable information during a critical moment for the country’s democracy.