Internet Blackout, Security Crackdown Raise Fears Ahead of Uganda’s High-Stakes Vote
Reporters Without Borders stated that journalist Ssematimba Bwegiire was knocked unconscious, reportedly after being shocked with a stun device and pepper-sprayed by a security officer at a Bobi Wine rally.
Young electoral officials ride on a pickup truck carrying ballot boxes and other electoral materials for dispatch at a polling station serving as a dispatch centre during final preparations ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, in Kampala on January 14, 2026. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Although the authorities had guaranteed that such a move would not be implemented, they turned off the internet in the entire nation for an indefinite period on Tuesday. They defended this move as it would help reduce the circulation of what they termed “misinformation” or incitement to violence through messages. Reactions immediately echoed locally and globally. The UN called the blackout “”deeply troubling,”” saying it threatens basic freedoms.
Opposition head Robert Kyagulanyi, often referred to as Bobi Wine, is warning of public unrest should there be any rigging in the electoral process. Suspensions were already heightened due to the continued detention and prosecution of veteran opposition figure, Kizza Besigye. Besigye was kidnapped in Kenya, with a flight back to Uganda in 2024 and is now fighting a treason charge in a military court after losing attempts to challenge the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in the previous four elections. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, the UNAIDS executive director, recently described Uganda as largely superficial in democracy, arguing that all state institutions are taken over by the presidency.
Western Support and Long Reign of Museveni
President Museveni has enjoyed a leniency from the West for most of the years. This leniency is said to be attributed to his implementation of neoliberal reforms in the economy during the 1980s and to his strategic alignment with almost all Western interests in what they called a global “war on terror” in the early 2000s. Besides, employing the military in Uganda’s increasing contributions, especially in Somalia, has proven highly beneficial to his image with allies like the United States.
There is still a divided opinion in the minds of citizens regarding Museveni. Most of them credit him with returning relative peace after years of post-independence turmoil and with sailing Uganda through an economic expansion period. Critics, however, are quick to say that these gains have been ruined by persistent large-scale corruption scandals. However, there are still loyal diehard supporters. “Even forty years is not enough; we need him for longer,” said Banura Oliver, 41, as she made her way to what was billed as Museveni’s final campaign rally in Kampala.
Crackdown, Fear, and Complaints of Abuse
At the rally, the president took a hardline stance, rallying citizens to vote and pledging to deal with anyone who tries to disrupt the process. “Anyone who interferes with your freedom, I will crush them,” he said. Meanwhile, security forces visibly increased their presence in Kampala, further raising anxiety levels among the public. Some citizens chose to avoid the entire election talks.
Police added that there would be no excuse for what were derogatorily termed “criminal behavior” masked in voting, saying that new recruits in the form of “special constables” would be put to the cause of orderliness. Journalists covering opposition measures continued to complain of harassment and obstruction. Reporters Without Borders stated that journalist Ssematimba Bwegiire was knocked unconscious, reportedly after being shocked with a stun device and pepper-sprayed by a security officer at a Bobi Wine rally.
Human Rights Watch also decried the imposition of a moratorium on 10 non-governmental organizations, including election monitoring groups, arguing that the authorities subjected the opposition to “severe and violent repression” just before the vote.
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