Uganda Faces Mounting Calls to End Internet Blackout Before Elections. Kampala, Uganda — Uganda is addressing growing international concern over a nationwide internet blackout imposed ahead of the January 15 general election.
The United Nations has expressed deep worry about the government — imposed restrictions, emphasizing the importance of open communication and information access for free and genuine elections.
The UN Human Rights Office posted on social media that “open access to communication & information is key to free & genuine elections.”
The statement came following a directive from a Ugandan government regulatory body to mobile network operators to block public internet access starting on Tuesday evening, as the country prepared for the upcoming polls. Internet monitor NetBlocks reported on Wednesday that Uganda is “in the midst of a widespread internet shutdown.
Officials commented on the matter. “
President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for 35 years, is facing a challenge from pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine.
The government has been accused of a years — long crackdown on critics, including the arrest of opposition leaders and their supporters.
Wine’s campaign rallies have been repeatedly disrupted by Ugandan authorities.
The UN Human Rights Office warned last week that Ugandans would be heading to the polls amid “widespread repression and intimidation against the political opposition, human rights defenders, journalists and those with dissenting views.”
The Uganda Communications Commission defended the internet shutdown as necessary to curb “misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks. “.
Widespread violence during Uganda’s last general elections campaign, in 2021, left at least 54 people dead, according to Human Rights Watch.
The authorities also cut off social media and internet access during that period. Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
