Ten days after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) denied news circulating on social media of an alleged planned internet shutdown and mobile money services during the upcoming general elections, the commission has today ordered for the temporary shutdown of the internet.
The UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, has in a letter dated January 13th ordered all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to suspend public internet access and selected mobile services during the election period.
According to Nyombi, the decision has been reached following a recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee and is aimed at curbing misinformation, electoral fraud and incitement of violence.
Among the services which will be affected include Public internet access, Sale and Registration of New Simcards and Outbound data roaming services to One Network Area countries.
Nyombi further noted that services including healthcare, banking and government systems have been exempted from the internet shutdown.
“During this period, all non-essential public internet traffic must be blocked. Public internet traffic includes but not limited to social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging applications among others” he said.
Nyombi added, “The suspension applies to Mobile Broadband (Cellular), Fibre Optic, Leased Lines, Fixed Wireless Access, Microwave Radio Links, and Satellite Internet Services”.
Members of the opposition have in recent weeks been warning about a planned internet shutdown by the government during the election period.
During the 2021 General Election, government imposed a nationwide internet shutdown that lasted about 100 hours.
According to estimates by TOP10VPN, the restrictions cost Uganda approximately Shs390b, placing the country among the top five globally in economic losses linked to internet shutdowns.
The temporary suspension that begins Tuesday evening, will be only be lifted following a notice from the UCC.
