The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access and selected mobile services starting at 6:00 pm on January 13, 2026, citing security concerns during the election period.
The directive affects public internet access, SIM card sales and registration, and outbound data roaming, while granting exemptions to essential services, including healthcare, banking, and government systems.
In a statement, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said the suspension follows a “strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee.”
The commission instructed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement the temporary shutdown.
“The measure is necessary to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks, as well as preventing incitement of violence that could affect public confidence and national security during the election period,” the directive states.
Uganda Communications Commission shuts down internet
The suspension applies to public internet traffic, including social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging applications.
It covers a wide range of connectivity options, including mobile broadband, fibre optic networks, leased lines, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links, and satellite internet services. Operators are required to maintain access to “strictly defined” essential services and systems.
UCC listed exemptions that will remain operational, including healthcare systems at national referral hospitals, core banking networks, interbank transfer and clearing systems, ATMs, government payment portals, electoral commission voter verification systems, utility management platforms, and transport and aviation control networks.
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Network monitoring and management tools, such as Network Operations Centers (NOCs), routing diagnostics, bandwidth monitoring, and cross-border IP transit services, will also remain accessible under strict controls.
The UCC directive emphasizes that access to these systems must be “limited exclusively to authorized personnel and implemented through secure, whitelisted mechanisms (e.g., dedicated IP ranges, VPNs, or private circuits).”
The commission further instructed operators to disable mobile VPN services and warned against any circumvention.
“Operators are prohibited from extending this list or allowing any form of public bypass. Access to social media and message applications is strictly prohibited within the accessible service provider environments.”
In addition, operators must submit detailed records of all whitelisted systems and accounts to UCC and maintain robust logging and auditing.
Non-compliance to attract severe sanctions
Any technical breaches or compliance challenges must be reported within 30 minutes, and services will only be restored upon receipt of an explicit written notice from the commission. The UCC Executive Director also issued a stern warning on non-compliance.
“Any operator that shall not be able to implement the instruction must shut down their entire internet infrastructure for the duration of this suspension. Non-compliance will attract severe sanctions, including fines and potential license suspension,” he said.
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Thembo noted that the commission recognizes the operational challenges this directive may impose but emphasized the importance of cooperation.
“The UCC acknowledges the operational challenges this directive may impose and appreciates your full cooperation in upholding national stability during this sensitive period.”
The measure coincides with Uganda’s electoral period and comes amid concerns over the role of digital platforms in spreading misinformation.
Authorities have framed the shutdown as a preventative step to maintain stability and public confidence during sensitive political processes.
Uganda’s general elections are scheduled to take place on January 15, 2026, to elect the President and Members of Parliament.
Polling stations will be open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM local time. Approximately 21.6 million registered voters are expected to participate.
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