Uganda Orders Internet Shutdown Ahead of General Election

UCC Cites Security and Public Order Concerns

On January 14, 2021, the UCC issued an order suspending public internet access and some mobile communication services on a temporary basis in Uganda ahead of the General Election scheduled to be held in two days’ time, on Thursday, January 15. The UCC explained that these actions are meant to protect national security and keep public order intact during this sensitive period of elections.

According to a statement released by the Executive Director of UCC, Nyombi Thembo, purposes of suspension included reducing the risk of misinformation, disinformation, and electoral malpractices that could tarnish the credibility of the voting process or cause unrest. In their order, the shutdown would start on Tuesday, January 13, at 18:00 hours and go through the voting exercise and immediate post-election period.

UCC directed all licensed internet service providers and mobile network operators to temporarily disable access to social media platforms, mobile data services, and other selected internet-based communication channels. The commission said the decision has been taken in accordance with its mandate under the Uganda Communications Act, where the commission can regulate communication services in view of national security and public safety interests.

Essential Services Exempted From the Directive

While announcing the shutdown, the commission made it clear that not all internet services would be switched off. UCC noted that some critical sectors would continue to access the internet in a secure and controlled manner. Authorized users would connect by whitelisted mechanisms such as private circuits, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and dedicated Internet Protocol (IP) ranges.

Exempted from inclusion in the directive are essential public services, such as healthcare facilities, banking and financial services, government administrative services, transportation and aviation control systems, and SIM swap and SIM upgrade systems. Security and cybersecurity systems, along with network management and monitoring tools, have been excluded in order to continue ensuring the stability and safety of critical infrastructure.

The UCC instructed all internet service providers to comply with the order fully, warning that anyone found failing to implement the directive will be subjected to appropriate regulatory sanctions as stipulated in the law. The cooperation of service providers is paramount to guarantee a free and secure electoral process, the commission insisted.

The regulator also advised members of the public to make alternative communication arrangements as long as the shutdown is on. It assured Ugandans of the restoration of internet and mobile data services immediately after it is assured that the election process has been completed safely and without major incidents.

“The UCC acknowledges the operational challenges this directive may impose and appreciates your full cooperation in upholding national stability during this sensitive period,” the statement said.

Mixed Reactions as Uganda Heads to the Polls

Under certain circumstances during election times, Uganda may enforce restrictions; mostly however, its use has attracted condemnation from civil society organizations, digital rights activists, and sections of the public who argue that internet shutdowns are infringing upon freedom of expression, access to information, and economic activity.

The January 15, 2021, General Elections are supposed to be closely watched, as heightened political activity and increased security deployments create a fresh atmosphere across the country. The polls come at a critical moment, with incumbent President Yoweri Museveni seeking re-election after four decades at the helm.

As the country heads toward the polls, the internet shutdown has thrown Uganda into a renewed debate about the balance between national security and digital rights during elections.

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Ruth Sang

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