“Uganda will be free! Bobi Wine condemns Uganda’s ‘temporary’ Internet shutdown ahead of polls

Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has condemned the government’s decision to impose a “temporary” nationwide internet shutdown ahead of the country’s general elections.

He warned that the move undermines democracy and threatens citizens’ freedoms at a critical moment.

The shutdown, ordered by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), took effect on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:00 pm and will remain in force until further notice—just one day before Ugandans head to the polls on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Wine, 43, expressed regret over the decision, describing it as a deliberate attempt by the ruling administration to stifle communication and transparency during the electoral process.

“The criminal regime has announced an internet shutdown throughout Uganda, beginning 6 pm today, ahead of the election on Thursday,” Wine said on X. He added defiantly, “Uganda will be free.”

Wine is set to face long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.

The internet shutdown directive comes shortly after statements by Wine in which he warned of possible protests should the elections be perceived as unfair.

“If General Museveni rigs the election, we shall call for protests,” Wine told AFP from his home in Kampala, adding, “We've told the people not to wait for our instruction.”

The government’s move has raised alarm among observers and rights advocates, who note that internet restrictions around elections have become increasingly common in parts of the region. Such measures are often justified on security grounds but criticized for limiting freedom of expression and access to information.

Concerns intensified on Friday when satellite internet provider Starlink restricted its services in Uganda following an order from the communications regulator, further fuelling fears of a broad digital blackout.

Ugandans have taken to online platforms to express mixed reactions to the shutdown. Some see it as an abuse of power, while others support it as a necessary security measure.

Aggrey Turyamuhaki said the decision had strengthened his resolve to support the opposition candidate. “For this, I will vote for Kyagulanyi,” he said.

Another Ugandan, however, defended the move, arguing that it was intended to safeguard the electoral process. “It’s is very necessary for the internet to be shut down in order to avoid any unreasonable videos going viral. It’s to protect the integrity of the voter,” he said.

Others were more critical. “This is the last desperate move of a dying regime,” another commenter remarked.

In a statement, the UCC said the shutdown followed a recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, citing the need to curb the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, and other election-related risks.

The regulator said the measure is also intended to prevent content that could incite violence or undermine public confidence in the elections.