KAMPALA, Uganda — The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has criticized the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for its plan to suspend public internet access and restrict certain mobile services during the ongoing election period.
The shutdown comes as Uganda prepares to hold its presidential election on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
In a statement, KHRC warned that the decision could exacerbate tensions in the country, particularly at a time when credible reports of intimidation, arrests, violence, and the suspension of NGO permits have already emerged.
The human rights body noted that such measures could prevent citizens from accessing vital information, documenting incidents, and holding authorities accountable.
“The internet shutdown will likely hide potential electoral malpractice and human rights violations from public view, just as similar restrictions did in Kenya during the 2024 Gen Z protests and in Tanzania during the 2025 elections,” the statement said.
#PressStatement The Uganda Communications Commission has said it will switch off public internet access and restrict some mobile services during Uganda’s election period. This decision comes at a tense moment, with credible reports of intimidation, arrests, violence, and the
KHRC urged the UCC to immediately reconsider its decision, stressing that free access to information is essential for transparent and credible elections.
“If the shutdown proceeds, we call on Ugandan citizens to carefully document cases of electoral malpractice or security-related violence and, when appropriate, share this information with independent human rights organisations,” KHRC added.
The UCC’s directive affects mobile broadband, fibre internet, and satellite services, as well as certain outbound data services and SIM card registrations.
Authorities have justified the move as a way to curb the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and incitement to violence during the election.
Human rights groups, however, argue that restricting access to information undermines transparency and risks creating an environment where abuses may go unreported.
In previous cases, internet shutdowns in East Africa have coincided with heightened state repression and limited public oversight, raising concerns among rights advocates.
As Ugandans head to the polls, KHRC emphasized the importance of citizen vigilance and documentation.
The body said that collecting accurate accounts of electoral violations could help hold perpetrators accountable and support democratic processes in Uganda and across the region.
The 2026 Ugandan presidential election sees long-time President Yoweri Museveni seeking a seventh term, challenged by opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) and other candidates.
