Regulation

Uganda shuts down internet access before an election – again

Uganda shuts down internet access before an election – again

For the second time in five years Uganda faces a government-sanctioned internet blackout before a nationwide vote. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has told all service providers to suspend internet access ahead of Thursday's presidential election.

The BBC reports that the UCC has 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".

Major operators have issued notices to customers warning of service disruptions “in compliance with a directive from the regulator”. As for the UCC, ITWeb Africa cites executive director Nyombi Thembo, who has said to operators that the decision followed “strong recommendations from security agencies”.

The internet suspension apparently applies to mobile broadband, fibre optic, fixed wireless access, microwave links and satellite internet services. Voice calls and basic SMS will remain operational.

The BBC notes that earlier this month reports of an internet blackout were dismissed as "mere rumours", with sources saying saying the commission's role was to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity nationwide.

We also reported ten days ago  that there were misgivings when satellite service provider Starlink shut down access to its satellite internet service in Uganda after receiving instructions to do so from the UCC. This, however, was said to be because its local entity had not yet been granted a license.

The internet suspension reportedly started from 6pm local time on Tuesday but the UCC has not given a date when it is to be lifted.

President Yoweri Museveni has been in power for four decades. The main opposition candidate, Bobi Wine, has encouraged his supporters to download an app designed to allow them to communicate through using Bluetooth technology. However, the UCC claims it can restrict the app from operating.

Whatever its intended aim, for ordinary Ugandans the blackout could affect work and the economy, notably undermining mobile money transactions, social media platforms, messaging apps, video streaming, ride-hailing services and online banking channels. It will also, inevitably, affect journalists trying to report on the election.

Only select government systems, hospitals and critical financial infrastructure are to be allowed limited connectivity through dedicated private networks.

This shutdown occurs five years after we reported the UCC’s order to internet service providers to “immediately suspend any access and use, direct or otherwise, of all social media platforms and online messaging applications over your network until further notice” prior to the 2021 presidential election.



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