Uganda is experiencing a total internet blackout since Tuesday, January 13, just two days before the country's general elections. The shutdown, ordered by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has drawn strong condemnation from VOCAL Africa, a Kenyan-based human rights organization.

• The internet shutdown has cut off access to social media, messaging apps, and personal emails across Uganda.
• VOCAL Africa describes the directive as a "calculated assault on digital democracy" and "state-sponsored censorship."
• The UCC claims the shutdown is to curb false information and prevent incitement to violence during the election period, which features a rematch between President Yoweri Museveni and opposition figure Bobi Wine.
• The shutdown is effective from 13th January 2026, at 1800hrs, and will remain in force until a restoration notice is issued by the UCC.