Uganda says an election internet shutdown is just a rumor, but nobody’s buying it. The government flatly denied plans to cut web access next week, despite the main opposition warning that it will happen. Officials called the talk mere speculation, with the communications commission head insisting their job is to keep everyone online.
This denial comes right after Starlink restricted service in the country on official orders, spiking everyone’s suspicion. The leading challenger, pop star turned politician Bobi Wine, has already rolled out an offline app for sharing vote tallies via Bluetooth, betting the internet will go dark. He directly accused the regime of plotting a blackout to stifle organizing and hide results.
President Yoweri Museveni is running again after four decades in power. The upcoming vote is a rematch of the 2021 election, which saw deadly protests and a four-day internet blackout. This time, the government has also banned live broadcasts of riots or unlawful gatherings, claiming they could incite panic.
This denial comes right after Starlink restricted service in the country on official orders, spiking everyone’s suspicion. The leading challenger, pop star turned politician Bobi Wine, has already rolled out an offline app for sharing vote tallies via Bluetooth, betting the internet will go dark. He directly accused the regime of plotting a blackout to stifle organizing and hide results.
President Yoweri Museveni is running again after four decades in power. The upcoming vote is a rematch of the 2021 election, which saw deadly protests and a four-day internet blackout. This time, the government has also banned live broadcasts of riots or unlawful gatherings, claiming they could incite panic.
