Uganda’s Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access and selected mobile services during the country’s election period, citing national security concerns.
In a directive issued on Tuesday, the UCC said the decision followed recommendations from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, citing concerns over misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and threats to national security during the polls.
The directive, addressed to all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), covers public internet access, the sale and registration of new SIM cards, and outbound data roaming services to neighbouring countries.
The UCC said the measure is intended to “reduce the rapid spread of online misinformation that could undermine public confidence and disrupt the electoral process during the polls.”
The suspension took effect from January 13, 2026, at 6:00pm, and will remain in force until further notice by the regulator. During this period, all non-essential public internet traffic is to be blocked.
The UCC clarified that the shutdown applies across multiple platforms, including social media, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging applications. Mobile broadband services such as cellular networks, fibre optics, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links, and satellite internet are also affected.
However, the commission said a strictly defined exemption list has been created to allow continued access to essential services and systems required for network monitoring and management. Access to these exempted systems will be restricted to authorised personnel using secure and whitelisted channels, including dedicated IP ranges and virtual private networks.
The UCC warned that any operator found abusing the exemption provisions would face immediate suspension of the excluded services.
The directive underscores the Ugandan government’s broader security approach to elections, prioritising public safety, critical national functions, and the operational integrity of communication infrastructure throughout the electoral period.
Ojo Triumph
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