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Uganda Opens Polls Under Nationwide Internet Blackout

UN and rights groups call the blackout a violation of free expression.

Overview

  • The Uganda Communications Commission ordered public internet access cut from January 13 at 6 p.m., halting SIM sales, new registrations, and outbound roaming until further notice.
  • NetBlocks and other measurement platforms report a nationwide collapse in connectivity consistent with a shutdown.
  • Voting began on January 15 with security forces visible in multiple locations, and more than 21.6 million people registered to vote.
  • The regulator says the move targets misinformation, electoral fraud and security risks, while a narrow whitelist keeps critical services online.
  • Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the UN urge immediate restoration of access, citing harm to transparency, livelihoods and civic freedoms alongside recent NGO suspensions.