The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has, through a public notice dated January 7, 2026, announced the ban of a popular civic tech tool known as the Fanon, an unauthorized tool for voter location and polling directions, just days before Ugandans head to the polls on January 15 for the 2026 general elections, sparking fierce debate over election transparency, data privacy, and potential suppression of voter empowerment.
“Following a formal request from the Electoral Commission, and in line with its statutory mandate under the Uganda Communications Act, the Commission directed licensed telecommunications operators and internet service providers to restrict access to the said website within Uganda,” read part of the notice.
The commission has also stressed that all platforms and applications claiming to provide such services must be duly authorized and compliant with the law to safeguard the integrity of public information systems, ensure the orderly conduct of electoral processes, and prevent the dissemination of information that could potentially mislead the public.
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The ban comes amidst escalating pre-election controls, including blocks on livestreaming unrest and denials of internet shutdown plans, highlighting tensions between official integrity claims and public demands for transparent digital access.
The Fanon
This platform, also referred to as Fannon in some cases, is a civic tech website or application launched by Ugandan Gen Zs in July 2025.
It gained immense popularity months before the country’s general elections.
It’s Usability and Why it was blocked
The application allows users to;
- Search for polling stations
- Verify voter details
- View demographics by age and gender
- Get GPS directions in multiple local languages
Many users found it more user-friendly and reliable than the official EC website, which reportedly often timed out or was hard to access.
Also Read: Uganda’s NUP Demands Electoral Commission Release Physical Voters Register Ahead of Polls
The EC disowned FANON, citing unauthorized and unaffiliated status, potentially violating laws, including the EC’s exclusive mandate under the Constitution to manage the National Voters’ Register and the Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019 that prohibits unauthorized processing or dissemination of personal voter data.
EC also warned that it could spread misinformation or enable voter intimidation and profiling, formally asked UCC to assess and act, leading to the nationwide block and arrest of one of the founders, Salim Were, by security operatives shortly after launch, reportedly for questioning over the data source, which he claimed came from publicly displayed voter registers during EC verification exercises.
Election Heat
Uganda’s incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, seeks a seventh term against strong opposition from Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform, and others.
The opposition views the FANON block as a suppression of tools that expose register irregularities and aid voter access, accusing authorities of stifling innovation and transparency while the official EC tools remain inadequate.
The Uganda Communications Commission assures that it remains committed to its role of enabling safe, reliable, and lawful communication services for all.
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