The Ugandan government has disrupted internet connectivity across the country and suspended several civil society organisations (CSOs) ahead of Thursday’s presidential election, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups and international observers.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) confirmed the internet disruption, saying the action was taken “to mitigate the rapid spread of misinformation.” The implementation began at about 6:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, though authorities did not specify when full connectivity would be restored. While internet-based services have been curtailed, voice calls and basic SMS messaging are expected to remain functional.
Internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks warned that the shutdown could undermine transparency in the electoral process and heighten the risk of vote manipulation, especially during vote collation and result transmission.
Thursday’s election is a rematch of the 2021 presidential contest between incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, 81, and opposition leader Bobi Wine, 43, a former pop star whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, is seeking a seventh consecutive term in office and is widely expected to retain power, further extending his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Although six other candidates are on the ballot, the race is largely viewed as a two-horse contest between Museveni and Wine.
In the build-up to the polls, Ugandan security forces have reportedly arrested hundreds of opposition supporters. Pro-Bobi Wine campaign rallies have been repeatedly dispersed with tear gas, while there are reports of live ammunition being fired to break up gatherings.
Alongside the internet disruption, the government has suspended a number of non-governmental organisations and journalism-related institutions, accusing them of posing “threats to national security.” Those affected include the African Centre for Media Excellence, Agora Centre for Research, National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, Alliance for Finance Monitoring, Centre for Constitutional Governance, Human Rights Network for Journalists, Uganda National NGO Forum, Network of Public Interest Lawyers, and the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims.
Observers say the clampdown mirrors developments seen in Tanzania during its October presidential elections, when authorities restricted internet access and imposed a curfew following deadly protests over disputed results.
The United Nations Human Rights Office has condemned the Ugandan authorities’ actions, warning that the country is heading into the election in an atmosphere of “widespread repression and intimidation.”
Meanwhile, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has arrived in Uganda to lead a team of election observers drawn from the African Union (AU), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
As Ugandans head to the polls, local and international attention remains fixed on the conduct of the election and the broader implications for democracy and civil liberties in the country.
