The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has warned that a planned internet shutdown and restrictions on mobile services in Uganda during the election period could heighten human rights violations and undermine transparency as the country heads to the polls on Thursday.
In a statement on Tuesday, KHRC said the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) had announced it would switch off public internet access and restrict some mobile services during Uganda’s election period, a move the rights body described as coming at an already tense moment.
“This decision comes at a tense moment, with credible reports of intimidation, arrests, violence, and the suspension of NGO permits for five organizations already emerging as the country heads to the polls,” KHRC said.
The commission warned that limiting access to the internet would likely worsen the situation by reducing public scrutiny and restricting the ability of citizens, journalists and civil society groups to document events in real time.
“KHRC warns that cutting off the internet will exacerbate the situation, as it did in Kenya during the Gen Z protests in 2024 and in Tanzania during the 2025 ‘elections’, when serious violations by state security agencies were carried out away from public scrutiny,” the statement said.
KHRC called on the Ugandan regulator to reverse the decision, arguing that access to information and communication is critical during an electoral process.
“KHRC demands that UCC withdraw its decision,” the commission said.
The rights body further urged Ugandan citizens to remain vigilant if the shutdown proceeds despite the concerns raised.
According to KHRC, documenting incidents could be vital in ensuring accountability after the election period.
“If UCC proceeds with the shutdown despite these concerns, KHRC urges Ugandan citizens to carefully document any cases of electoral malpractice or violence by security agencies and, at an appropriate time, share such information with independent human rights organisations to support efforts to hold those responsible to account,” the statement said.
Uganda is scheduled to vote on Thursday amid heightened political tension.
Internet restrictions during elections have previously drawn criticism from regional and international human rights organisations, which argue that such measures undermine democratic participation, freedom of expression and transparency in the electoral process.
In a directive dated January 13, 2026, and addressed to chief executive officers of all licensed operators, UCC said the move followed 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.
