Ugandan authorities have dismissed reports suggesting plans to shut down the internet during the country’s upcoming presidential elections scheduled for January 15.
Concerns were raised after satellite internet provider Starlink restricted its services in Uganda following an order from the communications regulator.
This development sparked fears of a repeat of the 2021 elections, when the internet was cut for four days amid protests that left dozens dead.
The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, described the reports as “mere rumours,” insisting that the commission’s role was to ensure uninterrupted connectivity nationwide.
“As of now, there is no resolution to switch off the internet,” he said.
Amina Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and National Guidance, also rejected the claims, calling them false and misleading. She warned against spreading misinformation and stressed that freedom of expression must be exercised within the law.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has launched an offline vote-monitoring app called Bitchart to track results in case of a blackout. He accused the government of planning to disrupt communication, a claim officials have denied.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking another term in office amid accusations of human rights abuses and intimidation of opposition supporters.
BBC News
