Uganda’s internet scene just took a hard left turn. Late this afternoon, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) issued a directive ordering a temporary shutdown of public internet access and selected mobile services, effective 6 pm on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
Telecom companies and internet service providers have been told to:
Block public internet traffic
Stop selling new SIM cards
Suspend outbound data roaming
Essential services, such as hospitals, banks, and government systems, are said to exempt, meaning connectivity for these sectors should remain uninterrupted.
Why Is UCC Shutting Down the Internet in Uganda
The Commission states that the move is intended to limit misinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement of violence during the election period. It’s framed as a temporary security measure tied to the January 15 polls.
But here’s where things get confusing:
Contradictions and Denials
Just days before this order dropped, UCC and the Ministry of ICT were publicly denying any shutdown plans. Officials described rumours of an internet blackout as false and misleading and urged people to rely on official sources.
The government also paralleled that narrative, stating no decision had been made to switch off the internet ahead of elections.
Now, suddenly, this directive is out, and there’s no clear end date yet.
Public Reaction Ahead of Internet Shutdown in Uganda
Opposition figures and online users are sceptical. Some view the shutdown as a strategy to suppress transparency and control information during critical days of voting and results reporting.
Earlier, opposition leader Bobi Wine encouraged supporters to download offline communication tools like Bitchat and Kunga before any cut, a hint of how tense things feel on the ground.
Online communities are buzzing with speculation about how long access could stay limited. Many point to Uganda’s 2021 election internet blackout, which lasted several days, as a reference point for what might happen now.
What To Expect Now
The shutdown starts at 6pm on 13 January 2026.
It affects public internet traffic and mobile data services.
It does not officially cover banking or health systems.
UCC has not announced when normal internet access will resume.
This is happening as Ugandans prepare to head to the polls on Thursday, 15 January 2026.
Your Practical Next Steps
Use up your data bundles before 6pm.
Do urgent mobile money transactions now.
Save contact info offline in case messaging apps go silent.
Buy airtime and direct call bundles, as this might be the only way to communicate during the internet shutdown
Keep checking official UCC and Ministry channels for updates.
Although many are said to be compromised, radio and TV are likely to remain the only sources of updates during the shutdown.
Many Ugandans saw this coming long before the election period. Reports had already circulated that ISPs in Uganda were quietly throttling access to social media platforms days before the announcement. This directive confirms those concerns and raises tough questions about how restricted digital access will affect civic participation in the 2026 general election.
