Uganda Suspends Internet Ahead of General Elections

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered all licensed network providers to temporarily suspend public access to internet and mobile services ahead of the general elections scheduled for Thursday, 15 January 2026.

The directive, issued less than 48 hours before the elections, was announced by UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo and follows recommendations from the Inter-Agency Security Committee.

All public internet traffic – including social media, web browsing, video streaming, messaging services, and personal email – will be affected. The suspension covers mobile internet, fiber optics, leased lines, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links, and satellite internet services.

Exemptions have been granted for essential services, particularly in healthcare, banking, and government operations. Non-compliance will attract severe penalties.

Eight candidates are vying for the presidency, including outgoing head of state Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and his main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

The elections are widely seen as a decisive moment for Uganda, potentially marking the continuation of Museveni’s long-standing rule or the installation of a new leader.