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Snapshot 9:Thu, Jan 15, 2026 6:32:40 PM GMT last edited by Nick

Uganda Votes Amid Internet Shutdown and Crackdown

Uganda Votes Amid Internet Shutdown and Crackdown

Is Uganda's internet shutdown a security measure for electoral integrity, or an authoritarian tactic to suppress democracy?
Uganda Votes Amid Internet Shutdown and Crackdown
Above: A Ugandan police officer instructs supporters of President Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as they enter the rally grounds on Jan. 13, 2026. Image credit: AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Uganda'sThe internet shutdownblackout beforeexposes thea electionregime representsdesperately aclinging necessaryto securitypower measurethrough toauthoritarian protecttactics nationalthat stabilityviolate fundamental human rights and preventdemocratic theprinciples. misuseAfter 40 years of communicationMuseveni's platformsrule duringmarked aby sensitivecorruption, democraticrepression exercise.and Theconstitutional temporary suspensionmanipulation, recommendedshutting bydown securityinternet agenciesaccess includingduring elections reveals the armygovernment's fear of transparency and policeaccountability. This blanket censorship, aimscombined towith curbviolent misinformation,crackdowns disinformationon andopposition electoralsupporters, fraudarbitrary thatarrests couldand underminetorture, publicdemonstrates confidence.that WithUganda's voiceelection callsis anda SMSsham servicesdesigned remainingto operational,entrench essentialdictatorship communicationrather continuesthan whilereflect the nationwill conductsof itsmillions electoralseeking processchange.

TheUganda's internet blackoutshutdown exposesbefore athe regimeelection desperatelyrepresents clinginga tonecessary powersecurity throughmeasure authoritarianto tacticsprotect thatnational violatestability fundamental human rights and democraticprevent principles.the Aftermisuse 40of yearscommunication ofplatforms Museveni'sduring rulea markedsensitive bydemocratic corruption,exercise. repressionThe andtemporary constitutional manipulationsuspension, shuttingrecommended downby internetsecurity accessagencies duringincluding elections reveals the government'sarmy fear of transparency and accountability. This blanket censorshippolice, combinedaims withto violentcurb crackdowns on opposition supportersmisinformation, arbitrarydisinformation arrests and torture,electoral demonstratesfraud that Uganda'scould electionundermine ispublic a sham designed to entrench dictatorship rather than reflect the will of millions seeking changeconfidence.


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All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0