Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has criticised the recent internet shutdown in Uganda as the country heads to general elections scheduled for Thursday, January 14, 2025.
In a statement shared on his social media handles on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, he said that what was seen in Tanzania, where the internet was also shut down in similar circumstances, is currently unfolding in Uganda.
He emphasised that democracy, human rights, freedom, the rule of law, social justice, and equality must guide political actions. Everything else should be done within the framework of these values.
“What we saw in Tanzania and what is unfolding in Uganda is the reason we must insist on the centrality of our values in all political discourse. Democracy, human rights, freedom, rule of law, social justice and equality. Everything else must be done within the framework and in accordance with these values,” Sifuna stated.
This comes a day after Uganda’s communications authority told all service providers to suspend internet access ahead of Thursday’s general election.
It justified the decision on the grounds of public safety to prevent “online misinformation, disinformation [and] electoral fraud… as well as preventing [the] incitement of violence”.
Earlier this month, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) described reports of an internet blackout as “mere rumours”, saying the commission’s role was to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity nationwide.
During the last election in 2021, which saw widespread protests with dozens killed, the internet was cut for at least a week.
The UCC said that the internet suspension should start from 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday but did not give a date when it would be lifted.
Users of regular mobile data have already reported that they cannot access the internet, though some business facilities, such as large hotels, continue to enjoy wireless connectivity.
Voice calls and basic SMS services are expected to remain operational.
In its letter to the mobile phone operators, the UCC said it was acting on “a strong recommendation” from the security agencies, including the army and police.
“This temporary suspension is a precautionary intervention to ensure peace, protect national stability and prevent the misuse of communication platforms during a sensitive national exercise,” the letter said.
Thursday’s presidential election is a rematch of the 2021 contest, with 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni, in power for four decades, being challenged once again by the relatively youthful former pop star, 43-year-old Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.
