The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has directed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to temporarily suspend public internet access and selected mobile services during the election period.
According to a directive dated 13th January 2026, the suspension took effect at 18:00 hours and will remain in force until further notice. The decision follows recommendations from the Inter-Agency Security Committee aimed at safeguarding national security and public order during the electoral process.
Services affected include public internet access, sale and registration of new SIM cards, and outbound data roaming services. The UCC stated that the move is intended to curb the spread of misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement to violence that could undermine public confidence and national stability.
The shutdown applies across multiple platforms, including mobile broadband, fibre optic networks, fixed wireless access, leased lines, satellite internet, and microwave radio links. Operators have also been instructed to disable mobile VPN services and block access to social media and messaging applications.
However, the UCC has outlined a strict exclusion list for essential services, allowing limited internet access for critical national systems.
These include healthcare services at national referral hospitals, banking and financial systems, tax and government payment platforms, electoral commission secure portals, utilities management systems, transportation and aviation control systems, among others. Access to these services is restricted to authorised personnel through secure and whitelisted connections.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has reminded its staff to strictly adhere to its Code of Conduct, which emphasizes integrity, impartiality, professionalism, and non-partisanship.
Electoral officials are prohibited from engaging in political activities, expressing political support publicly or online, or undermining any political party or candidate during their tenure.
The Commission reaffirmed that all decisions must be guided by the law, factual information, and established electoral guidelines to maintain credibility and public trust in the electoral process.
Non-compliance with the UCC directive by service providers will attract severe sanctions, including fines and possible suspension of operating licences.