#KeepItOn Coalition Raise The Alarm On Potential Shutdown During Upcoming Elections In Uganda

As millions of people prepare to head to the polls in Uganda on January, 15 2026, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition — a global network of over 345 organizations from 106 countries working to end internet shutdowns, has urged President Yoweri Museveni to ensure unfettered access to the internet, digital platforms, and all other communication channels on the run-up-to, during, and post-elections.

Despite an earlier commitment from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to not shut down the internet, that has now been contradicted by statements made by the Electoral Commission, authorities in Uganda have a history of shutting down the internet, and blocking social media and communication platforms during elections. The UCC has also directed Starlink to disable its services in the country just weeks before the elections, which raises serious concerns about the state’s approach to connectivity during politically sensitive periods.

“The authorities in Uganda have a disturbing pattern of predictable behaviour when it comes to imposing internet shutdowns and blocking social media platforms, especially during election periods, and we are deeply concerned January’s elections will be no different,” said Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Global Campaign Manager at Access Now. “President Yoweri Museveni must respect human rights, and the democratic process by publicly assuring the people in Uganda that there will be no internet shutdowns throughout the upcoming elections — Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition will be watching.”

During the 2016 elections, the UCC ordered a shutdown of social media and mobile money services. In 2021, the government of Uganda imposed a four-day internet blackout, disrupted access to digital communication platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Playstore Apps, as well as blocked access to more than 100 VPNs. Facebook has been banned in Uganda since the 2021 elections.

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition are also deeply alarmed by reports of an escalating crackdown on opposition voices and the media ahead of this month's elections.

"Internet shutdowns have become a tool of affront against democracy,” said Edrine Wanyama, Programme Manager-Legal from the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA). “During pivotal times such as elections, it is fundamental to retain access to the internet and to not undermine citizens’ ability to access information, report irregularities, and participate meaningfully in democratic processes. Uganda’s authorities must break from this harmful legacy and publicly guarantee that the internet will remain open before, during, and after the January 2026 elections. The credibility of the electoral process, and the rights of Ugandans, depend on it.”

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition welcomes the timely statement by Commissioners of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) raising concerns about the escalating restrictions on freedom of expression, media freedom, and internet access ahead of the general elections in Uganda. In December 2025, we wrote to the ACHPR Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, Commissioner Topsy-Sonoo, to urge the Ugandan government to ensure unfettered access to the internet and uphold human rights throughout the elections. The Commissioner’s office acknowledged receipt of our open letter and confirmed an appeal has been sent to the Ugandan government.

Read the open letter to President Yoweri Museveni and to Commissioner Topsy-Sonoo.

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