Uganda Announces Nationwide Internet Shutdown Ahead of 2026 Elections
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced a temporary shutdown of public internet access and selected mobile services as the country enters the 2026 election period. The directive, which takes effect at 6:00 pm on January 13, 2026, follows a recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee and applies to all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
According to UCC, the decision is aimed at maintaining public order and safeguarding national security during the sensitive electoral period. Authorities say unrestricted internet access could facilitate the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement to violence, potentially undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
Under the directive, several services will be temporarily suspended, including public internet access, the sale and registration of new SIM cards, and outbound data roaming to One Network Area countries. The shutdown affects all major connectivity platforms such as mobile broadband, fibre optic internet, leased lines, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links, and satellite internet services.
Despite the broad restrictions, UCC has outlined a strict exemption framework to ensure continuity of critical national services. Essential systems in healthcare, banking, government administration, utilities, transportation, and cybersecurity will remain operational through non-mobile and tightly controlled internet connections. However, access to social media and messaging platforms remains prohibited even within exempted systems.
Financial services such as core banking platforms, interbank transfers, ATM networks, URA tax payment systems, and government payment gateways will continue operating. Government systems including immigration services, Electoral Commission secure portals, voter verification platforms, and election results transmission networks are also exempted from the shutdown.
UCC has directed operators to enforce strict access controls on exempted systems using whitelisted IP ranges, VPNs, or private circuits. Mobile VPN services must be disabled, and any misuse of exempted access will result in immediate suspension. Operators are required to submit details of approved systems to UCC and maintain 24-hour incident response teams throughout the shutdown period.
The regulator has warned that failure to comply with the directive will attract severe penalties, including heavy fines and possible suspension of operating licenses. The shutdown will remain in effect until UCC issues an official restoration notice, after which internet services will be restored gradually under a guided national plan.
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