The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access and selected mobile services starting 6pm on January 13, 2026, during the ongoing election period. This directive aims to curb misinformation and prevent incitement to violence ahead of Uganda’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

• The internet shutdown affects public internet access, SIM card sales, and outbound data roaming, with exemptions for essential services such as healthcare and banking.
• The UCC cited a recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee to mitigate online misinformation, disinformation, and electoral fraud.
• President Yoweri Museveni declared January 15 and 16, 2026, as public holidays for the elections, where he will face opposition leader Bobi Wine for the second time.

A delegation from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) visited Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for a peer learning tour as Zambia prepares for its 2026 General Election. This visit follows recent constitutional amendments in Zambia that introduced a Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) framework to enhance inclusivity.

• The ECZ is preparing for its General Election scheduled for August 13, 2026.
• IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon welcomed the Zambian delegation.
• The new MMPR system in Zambia blends First Past the Post (FPTP) with Proportional Representation (PR) to ensure the election of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

A delegation from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) visited Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for a peer learning and benchmarking tour. This visit aims to strengthen Zambia's electoral process as it prepares for its August 2026 general election, particularly after adopting a Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system.

• The ECZ seeks to learn from IEBC's advanced electoral systems, including the use of KIEMS kits.
• The KIEMS kits, supplied by Smartmatic company, utilize fingerprint and facial recognition, and soon, iris verification, boasting a 99 percent functionality rate.
• Zambia currently lacks advanced digital verification and mechanisms to flag deceased or identify new voters, areas where Kenya has robust systems.