Uganda Implements Nationwide Internet Blackout Ahead of Presidential Elections
Ugandan Authorities Impose National Internet Blackout
Ugandan authorities have decided to block access to the internet nationwide just days before presidential elections in which President Yoweri Museveni, who has led the country for 40 years, is expected to extend his mandate. A government agency instructed mobile network operators to cut off public internet access starting at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday. Internet monitor NetBlocks later confirmed a "national disruption of internet connectivity."
Concerns Over Repression
This network shutdown has heightened fears of repression ahead of the January 15 vote, where Museveni, Africa's longest-serving leader, faces a challenge from musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine. Security forces in Uganda have arrested hundreds of opposition supporters before the vote and have opened fire with live ammunition and tear gas on pro-Wine campaign rallies. Meanwhile, Kizza Besigye, another opposition leader who has contested Museveni in four previous elections, has been incarcerated on charges of treason.
International Criticism
The UN Human Rights Office has criticized Ugandan authorities for creating a climate of "widespread repression and intimidation" ahead of the elections. The Brussels-based International Crisis Group assessed that Museveni, "with his firm control over state power... has practically ensured re-election." Bobi Wine sees his candidacy as a campaign "against impunity" and has expressed doubts about the elections being free or fair.
NGO Restrictions Imposed
Museveni's government has justified its security actions by asserting that they are necessary to stop illegal behaviors by opposition supporters. Uganda's Communications Commission defended the internet shutdown as essential to "reduce" misinformation, electoral fraud, and associated risks. Additionally, the government has ordered the suspension of two local human rights organizations that have been critical of the authorities – Chapter Four Uganda and Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda.
Electoral Context
Uganda restricted internet access during the 2021 elections, a vote marred by state violence and electoral manipulation. Authorities had repeatedly promised that the internet would remain available this time, recently stating on January 5 that "claims suggesting otherwise are false and intended to generate unnecessary fear and tension among the public." Alongside Museveni and Wine, six other candidates are running in the elections for this East African nation of about 45 million people. Electoral authorities report that there are 21.6 million registered voters.
