As millions of people prepare to head to the polls in
Uganda on January, 15 2026, Access Now and the #KeepItOn
coalition — a global network of over 345
organizations from 106 countries working to end internet
shutdowns, has urged
President Yoweri Museveni to ensure unfettered access to the
internet, digital platforms, and all other communication
channels on the run-up-to, during, and
post-elections.
Despite an earlier commitment
from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to not shut
down the internet, that has now been contradicted
by statements made by the Electoral Commission, authorities
in Uganda have a history of shutting down the internet, and
blocking social media and communication platforms during
elections. The UCC has also directed
Starlink to disable its services in the country
just weeks before the elections, which raises serious
concerns about the state’s approach to connectivity during
politically sensitive periods.
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
“The authorities in
Uganda have a disturbing pattern of predictable behaviour
when it comes to imposing internet shutdowns and blocking
social media platforms, especially during election periods,
and we are deeply concerned January’s elections will be no
different,” said Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn
Global Campaign Manager at Access Now. “President
Yoweri Museveni must respect human rights, and the
democratic process by publicly assuring the people in Uganda
that there will be no internet shutdowns throughout the
upcoming elections — Access Now and the #KeepItOn
coalition will be watching.”
During the 2016
elections, the UCC ordered a shutdown of social
media and mobile money services. In 2021, the government of
Uganda imposed a four-day
internet blackout, disrupted access to digital
communication platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp,
Instagram, and Playstore Apps, as well as blocked access to
more than 100 VPNs. Facebook has been banned in Uganda since
the 2021 elections.
Access Now and the #KeepItOn
coalition are also deeply alarmed by reports
of an escalating crackdown on opposition voices and the
media ahead of this month’s elections.
“Internet
shutdowns have become a tool of affront against
democracy,” said Edrine Wanyama, Programme
Manager-Legal from the Collaboration on International ICT
Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA).
“During pivotal times such as elections, it is fundamental
to retain access to the internet and to not undermine
citizens’ ability to access information, report
irregularities, and participate meaningfully in democratic
processes. Uganda’s authorities must break from this
harmful legacy and publicly guarantee that the internet will
remain open before, during, and after the January 2026
elections. The credibility of the electoral process, and the
rights of Ugandans, depend on it.”
Access Now and
the #KeepItOn coalition welcomes the timely
statement by Commissioners of the African
Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) raising
concerns about the escalating restrictions on freedom of
expression, media freedom, and internet access ahead of the
general elections in Uganda. In December 2025, we
wrote to the ACHPR Special Rapporteur on Freedom of
Expression and Access to Information, Commissioner
Topsy-Sonoo, to urge the Ugandan government to ensure
unfettered access to the internet and uphold human rights
throughout the elections. The Commissioner’s office
acknowledged receipt of our open letter and confirmed an
appeal has been sent to the Ugandan government.
Read
the open letter to President
Yoweri Museveni and to Commissioner
Topsy-Sonoo.
