Despite repeated denials dismissing reports to cut off Internet, Uganda Communications Commission has announced an indefinite suspension of Internet and social media platforms effective 6:00 p.m. Tuesday.
It noted that the ban was highly recommended by the Inter-Agency Security Committee.
In a statement on Tuesday, the UCC said the ban became imperative as a precautionary move to avert the spread of misinformation at a critical period for the nation at it goes to the poll on Thursday.
President Yoweri Museveni and 43-year-old Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly called Bobi Wine, are the candidates for the election.
“This measure is necessary to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks, as well as preventing incitement of violence,” said the directive issued on Tuesday.
The UCC further banned the sale and registration of new sim cards and roaming services to One Network Area countries.
The commission warned Internet providers to withhold access to social media platforms but avail it to health care services and the electoral bodies to conduct elections on Thursday, warning that erring providers would be sanctioned.
The suspension, the UCC said, “will remain in force until a restoration notice is issued by the UCC. During this period, all non-essential public internet traffic must be blocked.”
“Public internet traffic includes but not limited to social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging applications among others. The suspension applies to Mobile Broadband (Cellular), Fibre Optic, Leased Lines, Fixed Wireless Access, Microwave Radio Links, and Satellite Internet Services,” the circular added.
Based on this directive, local news publisher will not be provide real-time updates on the elections.
It was believed that Mr Museveni employed the same tactic in 2021 to hold onto power, a decision that sparked deadly protests on Ugandan streets leaving many injured and a few dead.
Since becoming president in 1986, Mr Museveni has refused to step down for other politicians and was favoured by the parliament in 2005 when lawmakers scrapped the limit a president can remain in power.
The UCC earlier this year terminated Elon Musk-owned Starlink Satellite services, asserting that the foreign network was not properly licensed to provide internet in Uganda.
