The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has directed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to temporarily suspend public internet access and selected mobile services during the ongoing election period, citing national security concerns.
In a directive dated January 13, 2026, and addressed to chief executive officers of all licensed operators, the regulator said the move follows recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee.
“Following a strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) duly directs all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement a temporary suspension of the following services,” the notice reads.
According to the directive, the suspension covers public internet access, the sale and registration of new SIM cards, and outbound data roaming services to One Network Area countries.
UCC said the measures are intended to curb the spread of online misinformation, disinformation, and electoral fraud, as well as to prevent incitement to violence.
“This measure is necessary to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and related risks, as well as preventing incitement of violence that could affect public confidence and national security during the election period,” UCC stated.
The suspension takes effect on January 13, 2026, at 6 pm and will remain in force until the commission issues a restoration notice.
During this period, operators are required to block all non-essential public internet traffic.
UCC clarified that public internet traffic includes, but is not limited to, social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging applications.
The directive applies across multiple access technologies, including mobile broadband, fibre optic connections, leased lines, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links, and satellite internet services.
However, the regulator outlined a strictly controlled exclusion list to allow continued access to essential public services and critical national infrastructure.
These exclusions apply only to non-mobile internet services and must be implemented through secure, whitelisted mechanisms such as dedicated IP ranges, virtual private networks (VPNs), or private circuits.
“To safeguard public safety, critical national functions, and the operational integrity of communications infrastructure, a strictly defined exclusion list has been established by the UCC,” the commission said.
Services exempted from the shutdown include healthcare systems at national referral hospitals, core banking networks, interbank transfer and clearing systems, ATM networks, tax payment systems, government payment gateways, immigration systems, electoral commission secure portals, voter verification systems, result tabulation networks, and utilities management systems.
UCC also warned operators against extending the exclusion list or allowing any form of public bypass.
“Access to social media and message applications is strictly prohibited within the accessible service provider environments,” the directive states.
Operators have been ordered to submit details of all whitelisted systems and service accounts to the commission immediately upon implementing the directive.
In addition, mobile VPN services must be disabled on all networks.
The regulator issued a stern warning to non-compliant operators, saying, “Any operator that shall not be able to implement the instruction must shut down their entire internet infrastructure for the duration of this suspension.”
UCC added that failure to comply will attract severe sanctions, including fines and potential license suspension.
