The shutdown of internet services across Uganda during the election period has drawn sharp reactions from opposition figures and their supporters, who accuse the government of trying to silence dissent and limit scrutiny of the vote.
Shortly after access was cut on Tuesday evening, the opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, said the move reinforced long-standing concerns about state interference in the electoral process.
“Information coming in is that the regime is going to order a complete shutdown of the internet,” he said earlier. “No matter what they do, the world is watching.”
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With social media and messaging platforms inaccessible, some opposition supporters urged citizens to document events offline and release the material once services are restored.
David Bujjadda, a political activist, called on people to “record everything” and submit any evidence of wrongdoing to the courts.
Others voiced frustration over what they described as a shrinking democratic space. BayitWaki Dickson accused the authorities of being determined to remain in power “at whatever cost”, claiming opposition voices were being deliberately suppressed.
Comments circulating among supporters reflected heightened tensions and fears that the elections could be manipulated.
Lawrence Karka, a youth activist, described challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s long rule as “bold”, noting that the president has governed the country for nearly four decades.
During the blackout, unverified reports emerged of security forces using force against civilians and motorcycle riders in parts of the country. Human rights groups say restrictions on internet access make it difficult to independently verify such claims or monitor the conduct of security agencies during elections.
Ugandan authorities say the internet shutdown is necessary to curb misinformation and safeguard national security.
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The government has repeatedly denied allegations of electoral manipulation and insists that security forces are operating within the law.
Opposition figures argue, however, that cutting off internet access during elections undermines transparency and restricts the ability of citizens, journalists and observers to hold those in power to account.
The suspension remains in place, with the communications regulator saying services will only be restored once the security situation is deemed stable.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
