As Uganda heads toward its 2026 presidential election on January 15, the issue of internet access has once again come to the forefront of political discourse. The government has strongly denied claims that it plans to block internet access during the election period, but these assurances have done little to quell growing fears among opposition supporters and human rights advocates. Bobi Wine, the leading opposition candidate, has repeatedly accused the government of plotting an internet shutdown to prevent vote verification, mobilization, and the free flow of information, as was done in the controversial 2021 elections.
The 2021 elections were marred by violence, political repression, and widespread allegations of fraud. In that election, the government cut off internet access for four days, leading to nationwide protests, security crackdowns, and reports of widespread violence against opposition supporters. Given this context, many fear that the government may repeat the tactic in the 2026 election to further tighten its grip on power and suppress the opposition. Despite the government’s denials, the recent actions by satellite internet provider Starlink—which restricted its services in Uganda after an order from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)—have only fueled these concerns.
Bobi Wine’s Response: The Launch of the Bitchart App
In anticipation of the possibility of an internet shutdown, Bobi Wine has launched an innovative solution: the Bitchart app. This offline vote-monitoring app uses Bluetooth technology to allow voters to record and share election results directly from polling stations, even if internet access is unavailable. The app aims to enable independent verification of results without relying on the potentially censored internet, allowing citizens to monitor election integrity in real-time.
During his New Year’s address, Bobi Wine openly accused the government of plotting an internet blackout to block communication and prevent his supporters from organizing and demanding accountability. “As we all know, the regime is plotting an internet shutdown, as they have done in past elections, to block communication and prevent citizens from organizing, verifying results, and demanding accountability,” Bobi Wine stated, urging his supporters to protect their ballots and ensure a transparent vote.
Government Denials and the UCC’s Stance
Despite Bobi Wine’s assertions and the concerns raised by civil society groups, Ugandan government officials have consistently denied any plans for an internet shutdown. Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), stated, “As of now, there is no resolution to switch off the internet.” He went on to affirm that the UCC’s role is to guarantee uninterrupted internet connectivity throughout the country during the election period.
In addition, Amina Zawedde, the senior official at the Ministry of Communications, echoed these sentiments, calling the rumors about a possible internet shutdown “false” and “misleading.” She warned against the spread of inflammatory content and emphasized that all digital platforms must operate within the bounds of the law, specifically regarding the Computer Misuse Act, which criminalizes the spread of false information and offensive communication online.
However, despite the government’s denials, there are widespread skepticisms about the credibility of these assurances, especially considering Uganda’s history of internet censorship during previous elections. Many critics worry that the government’s official statements may be an attempt to preemptively quell dissent while quietly preparing for a disruption of online communications.
The Broader Context: Political Repression and Human Rights Violations
The concerns over an internet shutdown are not only about access to digital platforms, but also about the broader political climate in Uganda. Bobi Wine and his supporters have long accused the Museveni government of systematic political repression—a charge that has gained international attention. Over the past few years, opposition rallies, particularly those involving Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP), have been disrupted by the Ugandan police and military, often with violent consequences. Opposition leaders, activists, and Bobi Wine’s supporters have faced arrests, beatings, and even shootings during campaigns, especially in 2021, when Museveni’s re-election was marred by allegations of fraud and government-sponsored violence.
Amnesty International has documented human rights abuses committed by the security forces, including torture and arbitrary arrests. These acts of violence have been seen as a deliberate attempt by the regime to intimidate the opposition and discourage citizens from challenging the status quo. Bobi Wine has repeatedly accused Museveni of using repression to maintain control over the country and silence voices of dissent.
The Election: Will Uganda’s Democracy Be Preserved?
As Ugandans prepare to head to the polls on January 15, the 2026 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most contested and highly scrutinized in Uganda’s history. For the second time, Bobi Wine will go head-to-head with Museveni, who is seeking to extend his 40-year reign. The election will not only determine the next president but also the future of Uganda’s democracy.
Economic issues, especially youth unemployment and corruption, remain at the forefront of the election debate. Bobi Wine’s platform focuses on creating jobs, redistributing wealth, and fighting corruption. In contrast, Museveni’s campaign relies on his long-standing reputation as the “guarantor of stability” and his claim that he is the only leader capable of maintaining Uganda’s economic progress.
However, the election is fraught with tensions. Critics continue to question the independence of Uganda’s electoral institutions, including the Electoral Commission, which has been accused of being biased in favor of the ruling party. While international observers have been invited to monitor the elections, many Ugandans are skeptical about the fairness of the process, especially given the historical precedence of electoral fraud and the repression faced by opposition groups.
The Future of Uganda’s Democracy
As the 2026 elections draw near, the key questions for Ugandans are whether their voices will be heard and if democracy can prevail in the face of authoritarian tactics. The internet shutdown rumors, combined with the escalating political repression, suggest that the fight for democracy in Uganda is far from over.
For Bobi Wine, the election is not just about seizing power but about ensuring that Uganda’s democracy remains intact. He and his supporters are committed to safeguarding their voices, whether through offline technologies like Bitchart or by standing firm in the face of violence and intimidation.
The outcome of this election will have profound implications not only for Uganda’s political future but for the broader fight for democracy in Africa. Bobi Wine’s challenge represents the desire for change in a country that has long been ruled by an entrenched leader, while Museveni’s continued hold on power is a testament to the resilience of authoritarianism. As Uganda goes to the polls, the world will be watching closely to see if democratic ideals can prevail against repression and censorship.
