By Nyang’au Araka in Kampala
Uganda is facing regional and international scrutiny for its electoral process and a sweeping internet shutdown that has sparked widespread uproar ahead of polls on Thursday.
On Tuesday, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access, SIM card sales, and outbound data roaming.
The directive was issued following recommendations from the Inter-Agency Security Committee and is intended to curb misinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement of violence.
The shutdown has drawn sharp criticism from civil society, opposition leaders, and digital rights advocates.
Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, condemned the move, stating: “The criminal regime has announced an internet shutdown throughout Uganda, beginning 6 pm today, ahead of the election on Thursday… This undermines democracy and threatens citizens’ freedoms at a critical moment.”
The timing of the blackout coincides with the flag-off of the East African Community (EAC) Election Observation Mission, which was launched earlier Tuesday in Kampala.
The EAC deployed a 61-member delegation drawn from Partner States and the EAC Secretariat to monitor Uganda’s electoral process.
The Mission is led by Ambassador Edda Mukabagwiza, a seasoned diplomat and former Speaker of Parliament.
“We are here to observe and assess the electoral process in an independent, impartial and objective manner,” said Ambassador Mukabagwiza during the flag-off ceremony.
“We are not here to interfere in the electoral process, to arbitrate political outcomes, or to pronounce on results.”
Observers will be stationed across selected regions and will engage with key stakeholders including the Electoral Commission, political parties, civil society, media, and security agencies.
Their mandate includes monitoring the pre-election environment, campaign activities, polling, counting, and result transmission.
However, the internet shutdown threatens to complicate the observers’ work, particularly in accessing real-time updates, verifying digital reports, and engaging with online civil society voices.
The EAC Secretary General, Veronica Nduva, acknowledged the importance of transparency, stating: “The EAC believes that elections must be inclusive, participatory, and conducted in an environment free from violence, intimidation and discrimination.”
Despite these assurances, critics argue that the blackout undermines the very principles the observers are meant to uphold.
The UCC directive allows internet access only to essential services such as healthcare, banking, and government systems, while social media and messaging apps remain strictly prohibited.
The EAC Mission is expected to issue a Preliminary Statement shortly after the elections, followed by a Final Report with recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic governance in the region.
Last week, the BBC reported that Uganda’s authorities had denied reports that they were planning to cut access to the internet during Thursday’s election.
The opposition has claimed that the government was going to block the internet to prevent supporters from mobilising, and sharing election results.
President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his 40-year rule in the 15 January elections.