Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine has called on his supporters to download Bitchat, a decentralized messaging application, ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for January 14, 2026, warning that the government may once again shut down the internet and social media platforms during the polls.
In a message circulated to supporters, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader cited Uganda’s recent electoral history, noting that authorities have repeatedly imposed communication blackouts during election periods. The most notable instance occurred in January 2021, when the government ordered a nationwide internet shutdown that lasted four days as President Yoweri Museveni secured another term in office.
Wine said the possibility of similar restrictions in 2026 cannot be ruled out, arguing that digital blackouts are often used to limit information flow, disrupt opposition coordination, and restrict the monitoring and sharing of election-related developments.
To prepare for such a scenario, he encouraged supporters to adopt Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging app designed to function without internet access. The platform allows users to communicate directly via Bluetooth, enabling the exchange of messages, photos, and videos even when mobile data and social media services are unavailable.
Bitchat was launched in July 2025 by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey as part of a broader push for decentralized communication tools. The app does not require phone numbers or email addresses, a feature that has made it popular among activists concerned about surveillance and digital repression. It has reportedly been used during protests in countries such as Madagascar and Nepal, where internet access was restricted or unreliable.
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Wine said the app could play a critical role in enabling Ugandans to share voting updates, report irregularities, and circulate election materials if traditional online platforms are blocked. “We must be prepared,” he said, emphasizing that alternative communication channels are essential to safeguarding transparency and civic participation.
The Ugandan government has previously defended internet shutdowns as necessary for national security and public order, a position criticized by human rights groups and digital rights advocates, who argue that such measures undermine democratic processes.
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