Uganda Orders Nationwide Internet Shutdown Ahead of Elections

Ugandans are facing a temporary loss of public internet access beginning Tuesday evening after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered telecommunications operators to suspend key digital services as the country enters a sensitive election period.

The directive, issued on January 13, 2026, follows recommendations from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, which advised the move as a precautionary security measure.

Services Affected by the Shutdown

Under the order, all licensed mobile network operators and internet service providers must suspend public internet connectivity from 6:00 pm. The sale and registration of new SIM cards have also been halted, alongside outbound data roaming services to countries within the One Network Area.

The restrictions apply across mobile broadband, fibre optic networks, fixed wireless access, leased lines, microwave radio links, and satellite internet services.

Why Authorities Say the Shutdown Is Necessary

UCC said the temporary suspension is aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation, disinformation, electoral interference, and online incitement that could disrupt public order or undermine national security during the election period.

According to the regulator, unchecked online activity during politically sensitive moments poses a risk to public confidence.

Essential Services Exempted from the Ban

Despite the wide-ranging restrictions, some critical systems will remain operational under tightly controlled access. These include healthcare platforms at national referral hospitals, core banking and interbank transfer systems, government payment gateways, and Uganda Revenue Authority tax services.

Also exempted are key government systems such as immigration services, Electoral Commission secure platforms, voter verification systems, and election results transmission networks.

Utilities and Infrastructure to Remain Online

Critical national infrastructure including power grid operations, water supply management, fuel distribution logistics, aviation control systems, railway signalling, and transportation networks will continue functioning using restricted, non-mobile internet services.

Network monitoring centers, cybersecurity systems, and regulatory reporting platforms have also been cleared to remain active.

Social Media Remains Inaccessible

UCC emphasized that access to social media and messaging applications remains strictly prohibited, even within the exempted systems, as part of efforts to prevent coordinated misinformation campaigns.

Strict Conditions for Telecom Operators

Telecommunications companies have been ordered to enforce access controls using private networks, whitelisted IP ranges, and secure VPNs limited to approved systems. Mobile VPN services must be disabled entirely.

Any abuse of exempted systems will result in immediate suspension, while operators unable to meet compliance requirements have been directed to shut down their entire internet infrastructure.

Also Read: Museveni Hints at Unblocking Facebook: Conditions Set for Uganda Reopening

Enforcement, Monitoring, and Penalties

UCC warned that non-compliance will attract severe penalties, including heavy fines and potential license suspension. Operators must also maintain 24-hour incident response teams, keep detailed traffic logs, and report any security breaches within 30 minutes.

When Will Internet Services Be Restored?

The suspension will remain in place until UCC issues an official restoration notice. The regulator said services will be reinstated in phases under a guided framework once the election period stabilizes.