KHRC raises alarm over Uganda’s move to switch off internet ahead of poll
By David Nthua, January 13, 2026The Kenya Human Rights Commission has raised an alarm after the Ugandan government expressed its intention to switch off the internet ahead of the country’s general election.
In a post on X, the KHRC warned that cutting off online access at such a tense moment was like adding petrol to an already burning inferno, arguing that the move could silence citizens and hide abuses from public view.
According to KHRC, the decision by the Uganda Communications Commission to suspend public internet access and restrict selected mobile services comes as Uganda heads to the polls on Thursday, January 13, 2026, amid growing reports of intimidation, arrests, violence and the suspension of NGO permits for five civil society organisations.
KHRC raises red flags
KHRC said the planned shutdown risks worsening the already fragile political environment.
The rights body reminded East Africans of how similar blackouts were used in Kenya during the Gen Z protests of 2024 and in Tanzania during the 2025 elections to allow security agencies to operate away from scrutiny.
“The Uganda Communications Commission has said it will switch off public internet access and restrict some mobile services during Uganda’s election period,” KHRC stated.
The organisation demanded that the UCC immediately withdraw its decision, saying democracy cannot exist in darkness.
KHRC further urged Ugandan citizens to document any cases of malpractice or abuse by security agencies if the blackout proceeds.
“If UCC proceeds with the shutdown despite these concerns, KHRC urges Ugandan citizens to carefully document any cases of electoral malpractice or violence by security agencies and, at an appropriate time, share such information with independent human rights organisations,” the commission said.
UCC defends shutdown
The Uganda Communications Commission, however, justified the move in a formal directive dated Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
UCC ordered all mobile network operators and internet service providers to suspend public internet access, the sale and registration of new SIM cards and outbound data roaming during the election period.
The regulator said the suspension is meant to curb the spread of misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and incitement to violence, which it warned could threaten national security and public confidence.
UCC said the blackout took effect at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 13, 2026, and will remain in force until a restoration notice is issued.
However, it allowed limited access to critical services, including hospitals, banking systems, government payment platforms, immigration systems, power utilities, transport control systems, and electoral commission networks.
Operators were warned that any breach of the directive could attract heavy fines or even licence suspension.
As Uganda heads into a tense election, the internet shutdown has now placed human rights, transparency and voter safety at the centre of national and regional attention.