UCC Orders Temporary Shutdown of Public Internet and Selected Mobile Services During 2026 Elections

Kampala, January 13, 2026 — The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a far-reaching directive ordering all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to temporarily suspend public internet access and selected mobile services as part of national security measures during Uganda’s 2026 General Elections.

The directive, signed by UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo, follows a strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee and is intended to safeguard the electoral process, public order and national security from the risks posed by digital misinformation, incitement of violence and cyber-enabled electoral interference.

The suspension takes effect on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:00pm and will remain in force until UCC issues a formal restoration notice.

What Has Been Suspended

Under the directive, all operators must immediately block:

Public internet access

Sale and registration of new SIM cards

Outbound data roaming services to One Network Area (ONA) countries

This applies across all connectivity platforms, including:

Mobile broadband (cellular data)

Fibre optic networks

Leased lines Fixed wireless access

Microwave radio links

Satellite internet services

All public-facing online services — including social media, messaging apps, web browsing, personal email and video streaming platforms — must be completely blocked.

UCC warned that any operator unable to implement these controls must shut down its entire internet infrastructure for the duration of the suspension.

Why the Internet Has Been Restricted

According to Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the decision is rooted in the need to preserve electoral integrity and public confidence during a highly sensitive period.

“These measures are necessary to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and incitement to violence that could threaten national stability,” the directive states.

The Commission emphasized that digital platforms have increasingly become tools for coordinated manipulation, mobilisation for unrest and election interference, necessitating firm preventive action.

Essential Services Will Remain Online 

Despite the nationwide suspension, UCC has approved a strictly controlled exclusion list to ensure that critical national services continue operating. These exemptions apply only to non-mobile internet services and must be accessed through whitelisted IPs, private networks or secure VPNs.

Critical services that will remain connected include:

Healthcare National referral hospital systems

Financial systems

Core banking platforms

Interbank transfers and clearing systems

ATM networks

Uganda Revenue Authority tax platforms

Government payment and international settlement systems

Government operations Immigration systems

Electoral Commission secure portals

Voter verification and results transmission platforms

Utilities Electricity grid management and payment systems

Water supply and billing platforms

Fuel distribution logistics

Transport and aviation

Air traffic control

Railway signalling and control systems

Telecom operations SIM swaps and SIM upgrades within existing regulations

Protecting the National Communications Infrastructure

UCC has also preserved connectivity for telecom operators to maintain network stability through:

Network Operations Centres (NOCs) Core routing and diagnostics

Cross-border IP transit links Fault detection, bandwidth and latency monitoring tools

Cybersecurity systems such as firewalls, intrusion detection platforms, threat intelligence feeds and regulatory reporting portals will remain fully operational.

However, UCC has made it clear that social media and messaging platforms are completely prohibited even within these secured environments.

Strict Compliance and Heavy Penalties

All operators must submit to UCC the whitelisted systems and service accounts allowed to remain online. They must also disable mobile VPN services and maintain detailed traffic logs for inspection.

Any technical breach, attempted bypass or compliance failure must be reported to UCC within 30 minutes. Non-compliance will attract severe sanctions, including:

Heavy financial penalties Possible suspension or cancellation of operating licenses

Restoration Will Be Phased and Controlled UCC stressed that internet and mobile services will only be restored following a written directive from the Commission. A phased restoration plan will be issued to ensure a controlled and stable return to normal operations.

UCC Calls for National Cooperation

Hon. Nyombi Thembo acknowledged the operational burden this directive places on telecom operators but stressed that the restrictions are necessary for the greater national good. “

The Commission appreciates the cooperation of all operators in upholding national stability, protecting the integrity of the electoral process and safeguarding Uganda’s security during this sensitive period,” he stated.

As Uganda heads into a decisive election, the UCC’s move signals the government’s determination to ensure that technology does not become a weapon against democracy, peace and national unity.