The Ugandan government has ordered a comprehensive shutdown of public internet access and key telecommunications services, a measure taking effect just 48 hours before a presidential election where President Yoweri Museveni aims to extend his four-decade rule .
The directive from the Uganda Communications Commission UCC, issued on January 13 and effective from 6 p.m. , instructs all mobile operators and internet service providers to suspend services until further notice . The regulator stated the blackout was a necessary step following a strong recommendation from security agencies to prevent the spread of misinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement of violence .
Beyond blocking access to social media, messaging apps, and general web browsing, it also halts the sale of new SIM cards, suspends outbound roaming to neighbouring countries, and instructs operators to disable mobile Virtual Private Networks VPNs used to circumvent restrictions . The measures affect all connection types, from mobile data to fibre optics and satellite services .
