Name: Uganda shuts down internet ahead of election
Uploaded: 2026-01-14T05:46:37.023Z
Duration: 1 min 20 s
Description: Ugandan authorities cut internet access and limited mobile services across the country on January 13, two days before an election in which President Yoweri Museveni will stand for a contentious seventh term after four decades in power.

Ugandan authorities cut internet access and limited mobile services across the country on January 13, two days before an election in which President Yoweri Museveni will stand for a contentious seventh term after four decades in power.

Kampala

The Ugandan government has cut off public internet access and restricted mobile services nationwide two days before the country's presidential election. The Uganda Communications Commission ordered the shutdown, citing national security, public safety, and public order as reasons for the move. 

This action follows weeks of tension, including the arrest of hundreds of opposition supporters and the use of force against campaign events for opposition candidate Bobby Wine. President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh term in an election where analysts say he holds significant control over government institutions.

Uganda shuts down internet ahead of election

Uganda's government cut off public Internet access and limited mobile services across the country on Tuesday. That comes just two days before a presidential election that will see incumbent Yoweri Museveni stand for a contentious seventh term. The Uganda Communications Commission told mobile companies to block public Internet starting at 6 p.m. local time. George William Nyumbi Thembo is the body's executive director. The Internet restriction directed is in line with the legitimate purpose. That is protecting national security, public safety and public order. The government last month denied it had plans to shut the Internet during the election. Column reports false and misleading. Security forces have arrested hundreds of opposition supporters in recent weeks. They have also used live bullets and tear gas to break up campaign events for Bobby Wine, a pop star turned politician who is the main rival to Museveni. The 81-year-old has been in power since 1986 after leading a rebellion. He is now one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, having changed the constitution to remove age and term limits. Analysts say Museveni controls most government institutions, making defeat unlikely in the eastern African country of 46 million people.

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