Uganda faces growing anxieties over a potential internet blackout as the nation prepares for its general elections on January 15. These concerns have intensified following the recent shutdown of Starlink’s satellite internet service within the country due to unresolved regulatory challenges. While the Ugandan government and its communication regulator, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), maintain that the crackdown on Starlink is purely a regulatory measure against non-compliance, the timing of these actions—amidst the electoral period—has provoked significant debate regarding potential human rights violations and the suppression of online activities. Observers fear that the incumbent government might be leveraging these situations to favor President Yoweri Museveni's bid to extend his four-decade rule against his strongest challenger, former pop star Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine.

The situation draws unsettling parallels with the 2021 general elections, which were marred by widespread protests, numerous fatalities, and a four-day internet shutdown. Further exacerbating these fears are recent internet shutdowns observed in other African nations, such as Tanzania and Cameroon, during their respective 2025 general elections amidst violence and protests.

The disruption of Starlink’s service in Uganda originated from a December 19, 2025, directive issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). This directive imposed restrictions on the importation and clearance of Starlink’s hardware and equipment, mandating that any of the satellite company's devices entering the country must first secure clearance from the Chief of Defence Forces. The decision to place this advanced technology under military oversight stems from alleged national security concerns, particularly Starlink's independent satellite system's capacity to bypass local infrastructure, which authorities claim makes it difficult to monitor or shut down.

As of April 2025, Starlink continues to operate without authorization in Uganda, primarily due to delays in securing essential operating licenses, specifically Public Service Provider and Public Infrastructure Provider licenses, from the UCC. A critical obstacle for Starlink is its inability to comply with Uganda’s Regulation of Interception of Communications Act. This legislation mandates that all telecom operators must grant the government access to communications for security purposes. However, Starlink’s inherent independence from local terrestrial infrastructure and its operational structure fundamentally conflict with this governmental requirement.

The ban on Starlink prevents Ugandans from accessing its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite offering. This service was particularly vital for a country where a staggering 94% of households lack reliable internet access, and approximately 77% of the population resides in rural areas. Given that elections are heavily influenced by campaigns and mobilization efforts conducted across social media platforms, the timing of this shutdown becomes highly sensitive, fueling speculation about underlying political agendas.

In response to mounting claims from opposition candidates—reported by the BBC—that the government intends to block the internet to hinder mobilization and the sharing of election results, the UCC has strongly denied these allegations. The commission labeled reports of a potential internet blackout as "mere rumors," asserting that its primary role is to ensure uninterrupted connectivity nationwide for national security. UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo explicitly stated, "As of now, there is no resolution to switch off the internet." Complementing this, Amina Zawedde, a senior official at the Ministry of Communications and National Guidance, cautioned the public against disseminating unverified information, reminding them that the Computer Misuse Act fully applies to online conduct, including the spread of false information and offensive communication. She further affirmed, "Government has not announced, directed, or implemented any decision to shut down the internet during the election period."

Despite these official assurances, the main opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Bobi Wine, has proactively launched an offline vote-monitoring application named Bitchart. Unveiled during Wine's New Year’s address, the app is designed to function even in the event of an internet blackout. Wine articulated the party's concerns, stating, "As we all know, the regime is plotting an internet shutdown, as they have done in past elections, to block communication and prevent citizens from organising, verifying results, and demanding accountability." The Bitchart app ingeniously utilizes Bluetooth technology, enabling users to share images of results and voting data from polling stations without requiring internet access, offering a crucial safeguard against communication blackouts.