The internet has been shut down in Uganda ahead of the country's general elections on Thursday, according to Netblocks, an internet monitoring organization. This move comes as a response to the Uganda Communications Commission's order to internet service providers to suspend public access to the internet. The commission aims to "mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud" and prevent incitement of violence. However, Netblocks warns that this measure may have unintended consequences. By restricting internet access, it becomes more difficult for people to share information, videos, and images about the events, making it harder for journalists and election monitors to verify and report accurately. This is not the first time Uganda has faced such internet disruptions. During the 2021 election, which resulted in widespread protests and numerous fatalities, the internet was cut for at least a week. The upcoming presidential election features a repeat of the 2021 contest between President Yoweri Museveni, seeking his seventh term in office, and former pop star Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. This decision raises concerns about transparency and the potential for vote fraud, as it limits the ability of citizens to share their experiences and hold the government accountable.
