By Ignatius Ssuuna

AMPALA, Uganda – Uganda has ordered a nationwide suspension of public internet access ahead of tomorrow’s presidential elections, a move that has heightened political tensions and renewed concerns over transparency, freedom of expression, and the credibility of the vote.

The main opposition candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, a former pop star, claimed that the government was blocking the internet to facilitate electoral manipulation.

“They cut off the internet in order to hide rigging and atrocities,” Kyagulanyi said on Tuesday. Another prominent government critic, Retired Kizza Besigye, remains in prison facing, among other charges, treason.

Uganda’s military has repeatedly defended internet shutdowns as necessary to maintain security and public order, citing past episodes of unrest.

In the 2021 presidential election, President Yoweri Museveni secured 5.85 million votes (58.64 percent), while Kyagulanyi won 3.48 million votes (34.83 percent). That election was marred by widespread protests and security forces admitted to shooting and killing 52 civilians.

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Now in power for over 40 years, Museveni is expected to win again with high margins, potentially prolonging his rule. He warned that the army would crush any protests against the results expected on Saturday.

Last week, satellite internet provider Starlink restricted its services in Uganda following a directive from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

On Tuesday, the UCC, following a recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, headed by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Museveni and current Chief of Defence Forces, ordered telecommunications operators to:

  • Suspend public internet services.
  • Halt the sale and registration of new SIM cards.
  • Disable outbound data roaming services to One Network Area (ONA) countries.

“The measures take effect at 6:00 pm on 13 January and will remain in force until further notice,” the UCC statement read.

The regulator said the suspension aimed to curb the spread of online misinformation, prevent electoral fraud, and reduce the risk of violence during the election period.

“The temporary suspension is intended to mitigate risks associated with the misuse of online platforms that could undermine public confidence, public order, and national security,” the statement added.

Under the directive, operators are required to block all non-essential public internet traffic, including social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming services, personal email, and messaging applications. Operators unable to comply must shut down their entire internet infrastructure. Non-compliance would attract “severe sanctions, including fines and possible license suspension.”

Museveni’s Long Rule and Consolidation of Power

Museveni rose to power in 1986 after a five-year protracted bush war against Milton Obote’s government. His tenure has been marked by periods of relative stability and notable economic and infrastructure development, gains for which many Ugandans credit his leadership.

However, critics argue that he has tightened his grip on power through heavy reliance on the military, patronage networks, and weakening of independent institutions. Museveni has repeatedly dismissed calls to step aside, once remarking that he had only just begun “enjoying Uganda” as the country started “bearing the fruits” of earlier reforms.

The government has also issued directives banning live broadcasts of riots, unlawful processions, and other violent incidents, limiting real-time reporting during a highly sensitive political period.

Opposition groups contend that the heavy security presence, arrests, and detentions have undermined public confidence. According to the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Kyagulanyi, more than 500 of its members have been detained in recent months.

Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the heir-apparent, was a child in 1981 when his father started the bush war but has now risen to become a powerful general and head of the army, effectively “in charge” of security operations.