Uganda Pledges Open but Regulated Internet Ahead of January Vote
January 8th 2026
- The Ugandan government says it will not restrict Internet access during the January 2026 elections.
- Authorities emphasize regulation and content control rather than network shutdowns.
- Uganda counts 11.4 million Internet users, with a penetration rate of 22% at end-2025.
On Monday, January 5, Aminah Zawedde, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), said the government had taken no decision to restrict Internet access during the electoral process. She denounced misleading information that could unnecessarily fuel tensions, according to an official statement from the ICT ministry.
Speaking to the media, Zawedde recalled the central role of digital tools in civic participation. She said information technologies allow voters to access reliable and timely information, thereby supporting the smooth conduct of the vote. In this context, the government said it favored a regulatory framework rather than restrictive measures, in coordination with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
This approach relies on enhanced dialogue with media organizations and digital platforms to promote professional and ethical coverage of election-related news. However, authorities stressed that some content remains prohibited, including the live broadcast of acts of violence or illegal processions.
Beyond communication, the executive branch seeks to contain the risks of disinformation and incitement to violence in a digital space that has become strategically important. Zawedde warned against the spread of false information that could “weaken social cohesion” and “undermine trust in the electoral process,” according to the ICT ministry.
The government also reminded operators that all service providers, including satellite Internet providers, must comply with the existing regulatory framework. Authorities said the operation of unlicensed services constitutes an offense subject to sanctions.
This clarification comes against the backdrop of previous elections. In January 2021, Uganda experienced a near-total Internet shutdown for several days around the presidential election, a move that drew widespread criticism from business groups and digital rights organizations.
As the January 15, 2026 vote approaches, observers will closely watch the government’s promise of an accessible but regulated network, including citizens and international economic actors. Uganda counted 11.4 million Internet users at the end of 2025, with Internet penetration estimated at 22%, according to DataReportal.
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