Uganda has pledged to keep internet access open during the January 2026 general elections, signalling a shift from past practices that saw nationwide network shutdowns during periods of political tension.
The assurance was given by Aminah Zawedde, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), who said the government had taken no decision to restrict internet access during the electoral process.
“We have not taken any decision to shut down the internet,” Zawedde said, warning against what she described as misleading information that could unnecessarily heighten tensions, according to an official statement from the ICT ministry.
Uganda is due to hold elections on January 15, with digital platforms expected to play a central role in political communication, media coverage and civic participation.
Speaking to reporters, Zawedde acknowledged the growing importance of digital tools in modern elections, saying information and communication technologies allow voters to access timely and reliable information, contributing to the smooth conduct of the vote.
In this context, she said, the government favours regulation and content oversight rather than blanket restrictions on connectivity. Authorities are working in coordination with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the sector regulator, to oversee online activity during the campaign and voting period.
The approach includes enhanced engagement with traditional media houses and digital platforms to encourage professional, ethical and responsible coverage of election-related content, officials said.
However, authorities stressed that certain forms of content remain prohibited under existing laws. These include the live broadcast or online dissemination of violent acts, hate speech or illegal processions, which the government says could inflame tensions or incite unrest.
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Zawedde said the government’s priority was to prevent the spread of disinformation and incitement to violence in an increasingly influential digital environment.
She warned that false or misleading information circulating online could “weaken social cohesion” and “undermine trust in the electoral process,” according to the ministry statement.
The government also reminded telecommunications operators that all service providers — including satellite internet companies — must comply with Uganda’s regulatory framework. Authorities said the provision of services without proper authorisation constitutes an offence and could result in sanctions.
The clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny from civil society groups, businesses and international observers, who have repeatedly raised concerns about internet disruptions during elections in several African countries.
Uganda has faced particularly strong criticism over its handling of digital access during previous polls. In January 2021, authorities imposed a near-total internet shutdown for several days around the presidential election, citing security concerns.
That move drew condemnation from local and international digital rights organisations, as well as from business groups who said the blackout disrupted commerce, financial services and access to essential information.
The government has since defended the 2021 shutdown as necessary to maintain public order, but critics argue that such measures restrict freedom of expression and transparency during elections.
With the January 2026 vote approaching, the government’s pledge to keep the network accessible while enforcing content rules will be closely watched by voters, opposition parties and observers.
Uganda’s digital landscape has expanded rapidly in recent years, though access remains uneven. The country counted about 11.4 million internet users at the end of 2025, with internet penetration estimated at 22 percent, according to data from DataReportal.
Mobile internet accounts for the bulk of connections, while social media platforms have become key channels for political messaging, activism and citizen reporting.
As election day nears, analysts say the balance between maintaining open access and enforcing regulations will be critical to public confidence in the electoral process.
Whether Uganda can avoid disruptive shutdowns while effectively addressing online misinformation will likely shape perceptions of the credibility and inclusiveness of the January polls.
