Ugandan govt condemned for shutting down internet ahead of polls
By Mabonga Makhanu, January 14, 2026VOCAL Africa has condemned the Ugandan authorities for imposing an internet blackout as the country heads to elections scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2025.
In a statement shared on their social media channels on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, the organisation expressed strong disapproval of the Uganda Communications Commission’s directive to suspend public internet access and mobile services during the election period.
Vocal Africa said that by blocking social media platforms, messaging apps, and personal emails, the Ugandan government is deliberately creating a digital blackout aimed at stifling dissent and concealing potential electoral irregularities from the international community.
“VOCAL Africa strongly denounces the Uganda Communications Commission’s directive to implement a total suspension of public internet access and mobile services during the 2026 election period,” VOCAL Africa said.
By blocking social media, messaging apps and personal emails, the Ugandan government is deliberately plunging the nation into a digital blackout to stifle dissent and hide potential electoral irregularities from the global community.”
The organisation described the move as a violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression and access to information, which are essential for any credible democratic process.
Vocal Africa demanded that the Uganda Communications Commission immediately rescind the directive and restore full connectivity for all citizens.
The organisation also criticised the use of “national security” as a justification, arguing that it cannot be used to facilitate censorship or intimidate voters. They noted that shutting down the internet does not protect the public but instead endangers lives by cutting off essential communication and creating a space for misinformation to spread.
Vocal Africa concluded by expressing solidarity with the people of Uganda and urged international bodies to hold the Ugandan authorities accountable for what it called a calculated assault on digital democracy.
Internet shutdown
This comes after Uganda’s communications authority told all service providers to suspend internet access ahead of Thursday’s general election.
It justified the decision on the grounds of public safety to prevent “online misinformation, disinformation [and] electoral fraud… as well as preventing [the] incitement of violence”.
Earlier this month, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) described reports of an internet blackout as “mere rumours”, saying the commission’s role was to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity nationwide.