Uganda Internet Shutdown Timeline (2016–2026)
Year | Internet Status Timeline
———-|——————-
2016 | 
| Normal Social Media Block (~4 days) Normal Short Block (~1 day)
2021 |
| Normal Full Internet Blackout (~4–5 days) Normal
2026 |
| Normal Full Internet Shutdown (Several days) Normal
Legend:
= Shutdown (Social media block / Full internet blackout)
= Normal internet access
(Credit: News Hub Zimbabwe)
Marshall Bwanya
Harare—Uganda’s 15 January 2026 presidential election took place amid a nation-wide internet shutdown, logistical breakdowns, and rights concerns, drawing condemnation from African civil society groups who warn that the process risks undermining public trust and the will of the people.
In a joint statement backed by more than 20 civil society organisations across Africa, the groups said the conditions surrounding the vote fell short of democratic standards.
Media freedom, civil rights and accountability watchdogs that endorsed the statement include:
- Magamba Network (Africa Wide)
- Media Institute of Southern Africa – MISA (Southern Africa)
- Buni Media (Kenya)
- Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement – RFLD (West Africa)
- Woven Agenda Foundation (Malawi)
- Content Creators Network (Zimbabwe)
- Community Podium (Zimbabwe)
- Thrive Afrika (South Africa)
- Journal Rappe (Senegal)
- Information for Development Trust (Zimbabwe)
- People’s Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia – PAAGZ (Zambia)
- Zaluso Arts Africa (Malawi)
- The Wits Centre for Journalism (South Africa)
- Accountability Lab (East and Southern Africa)
- Zaluso Arts (Malawi)
- The Big Conversation (Zimbabwe)
- Bloggers of Zambia (Zambia)
- Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (Zimbabwe)
- Southern Africa Coalition on Democracy & Accountability
- Barazza Media Lab (Kenya)
- Africans Rising (Africa Wide)
- Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe)
- ZimRights (Zimbabwe)
(Credit: News Hub Zimbabwe)
Central to the criticism was the nationwide internet blackout imposed days before polling and maintained throughout voting and into the post-election period, which severely limited access to information, independent reporting, and communication at a critical democratic moment.
The Uganda Communications Commission ordered the shutdown from 13 January, citing misinformation and security threats. Authorities defended the move as necessary for public order, but critics argued it increased uncertainty and weakened electoral transparency.
Civil society groups said the blackout disproportionately restricted freedoms of expression and participation, noting that it prevented citizens, journalists, and observers from engaging meaningfully with the electoral process.
The election was further affected by logistical failures, including malfunctioning biometric voter identification machines and late delivery of materials. Many polling stations opened late, forcing officials to rely on paper registers.
According to observers, these disruptions led to long queues, confusion, and the potential disenfranchisement of voters, particularly in rural and opposition strongholds.
Preliminary results released by the Electoral Commission show President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986 and seeking a seventh term, holding a commanding lead over opposition challenger Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine.
Opposition leaders rejected the provisional figures, alleging ballot stuffing, arrests of party agents, restricted access to polling centres, and intimidation by security forces. The government has denied the allegations.
Political tensions intensified after reports of violent clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. In one incident, an opposition lawmaker alleged that members of his campaign team were fatally shot during a security operation, claims police denied.
African civil society leaders warned that internet shutdowns during elections pose a direct threat to democratic integrity, digital rights, and public accountability.
“Democracy cannot be exercised in silence,” said Kudzayi Zvinavashe of Magamba Network, stressing that free access to communication tools is essential for transparency and citizen participation.
Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, said the shutdown undermines freedoms protected under Uganda’s constitution and international law, urging authorities to restore connectivity and protect journalists and observers.
Civil society organisations have called for the immediate restoration of internet services, protection of civic actors, and a transparent resolution of electoral disputes as counting continues and final results are awaited.