The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access and selected mobile services nationwide, citing the need to safeguard national security during the ongoing election period.
The measure, issued in a directive dated January 13, 2026, targets all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), following strong recommendations from the Inter-Agency Security Committee.
Effective from January 13 at 6:00 pm, the suspension requires operators to halt public internet services, the sale and registration of new SIM cards, and outbound data roaming within One Network Area countries. The UCC explained that these restrictions are intended to curb the rapid spread of online misinformation and disinformation, prevent electoral fraud, and reduce the risk of incitement to violence that could threaten public confidence and security during the electoral process.
During the suspension, all non-essential internet traffic must be blocked, including access to social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email, and messaging apps across all access technologies–mobile broadband, fiber optics, leased lines, fixed wireless, microwave radio links, and satellite internet. The directive, however, allows for limited exemptions to support critical national functions, network monitoring, and management. Operators are instructed to implement strict controls, restricting access to authorized personnel via secure mechanisms such as whitelisted IP ranges, VPNs, or private circuits.
Operators must immediately suspend access if any misuse of the excluded services is detected and are prohibited from expanding the exclusion list or enabling public bypasses. Access to social media and messaging services within service provider networks remains strictly forbidden during this period. They are also required to submit detailed reports of all whitelisted systems and accounts linked to the exclusion list immediately upon implementation and disable mobile VPN services on their networks.
The UCC warned that any operator failing to comply must shut down their entire internet infrastructure for the duration of the suspension. Non-compliance could result in severe penalties, including hefty fines and potential suspension of operating licenses, underscoring the seriousness of maintaining order and security during this sensitive electoral period.
