The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has reassured the public that the internet will remain on throughout the 2026 general elections. Dr. Abudu Sallam Waiswa, UCC’s Head of Legal Affairs, said the country should expect a smooth, uninterrupted digital experience as Ugandans go to the polls.
Dr. Waiswa explained that the circumstances that led to the 2021 internet shutdown will not be repeated. During the last election, the Government switched off internet services citing escalating online tension, misinformation, and fears of potential unrest—concerns that were widely discussed at the time across the political divide.
“In 2026, there will be no shutdown. Ugandans will have full access to the internet before, during, and after voting,” Dr. Waiswa said, emphasizing that the Commission is working to ensure stable and reliable connectivity for all users.
However, despite these assurances, some opposition actors have continued claiming that a shutdown is inevitable. According to UCC, these warnings—especially from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and its leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine—have resurfaced on social media, where supporters regularly urge each other to “prepare for an internet blackout.”
Government officials have dismissed these claims as fear-mongering and attempts to create anxiety among voters. They say the repeated warnings are based on speculation rather than fact, given that UCC has now made a public and clear commitment.
With UCC’s latest communication, all Ugandans are encouraged to remain calm and trust the systems in place. As the country moves closer to the 2026 polls, authorities say the focus should shift from fear to constructive participation, ensuring that the electoral process continues smoothly, transparently, and without unnecessary tension.
