Ugandan authorities on Tuesday shut down internet access across the country, just two days before presidential elections in which long-serving President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his decades-long rule.
Journalists with international media organisations confirmed that internet connectivity dropped nationwide around 3:00 pm (GMT).
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks described the situation as a “nationwide disruption to internet connectivity in Uganda.”
The shutdown comes amid heightened political tension and a renewed crackdown on opposition activities ahead of Thursday’s polls.
President Museveni, 81, is widely expected to secure another term, which would mark his seventh in office, having ruled Uganda for about 40 years.
The Uganda Communications Commission had earlier directed internet service providers to suspend access, citing the need to curb the spread of “misinformation” and prevent “incitement to violence.” The directive said the restriction would remain in place until further notice.
Although the government has not issued an official public statement on the shutdown, a government source told reporters that officials were reluctant to openly take responsibility for the decision.
President Museveni held his final campaign rally on Tuesday in the capital, Kampala, drawing thousands of supporters to the Kololo National Ceremonial Gardens.
Several attendees told reporters they were transported from different parts of the country and provided with food to attend the rally.
However, foreign journalists were reportedly denied access to cover the event despite holding valid accreditation. Some journalists said they were threatened with arrest by security operatives.
“Your camera is not welcome,” one officer of the Special Forces Command was quoted as telling reporters at the venue.
Rights organisations and election observers have raised concerns over what they describe as increasing repression of opposition supporters. According to them, hundreds of opposition members have been arrested in the build-up to the election.
One of Museveni’s main challengers, Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old musician-turned-politician, has continued to attract large crowds at campaign events despite reports of violent dispersal of his rallies by security forces.
Another opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, who has contested against Museveni four times, remains on trial in Uganda after being arrested in Kenya in 2024 and transferred back to the country under controversial circumstances.
Uganda also shut down the internet during the 2021 general elections, a move that drew widespread criticism and coincided with allegations of electoral irregularities and human rights abuses.
The government had earlier denied plans to repeat such actions, describing claims of a shutdown as “false and misleading” in a statement issued earlier this month.
At Tuesday’s rally, opinions among attendees were divided. A supporter, Banura Oliver, said Museveni deserved more time in office.
“Forty years doesn’t even matter. We need even more,” she said, dismissing the opposition and warning against voting for what she described as an inexperienced alternative.
Others, however, said their attendance did not necessarily translate to political support.
“They give you food today, but what about tomorrow?” said Mugaala, a 23-year-old unemployed attendee, who said he did not plan to vote for the president.
The elections are being closely watched both locally and internationally, with observers expressing concern over media restrictions, the internet shutdown, and the overall political climate as Ugandans prepare to vote.
