The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has directed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to temporarily suspend public internet access and selected mobile services during the ongoing election period, citing national security concerns.
In a directive issued by the UCC ED, dated January 13, 2026, addressed to chief executive officers of telecom operators, UCC said the decision followed a strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee aimed at safeguarding public order and confidence in the electoral process.
According to the notice, the suspension takes effect from 6:00pm on January 13, 2026, and will remain in force until UCC issues a formal restoration notice.
Services Affected
Under the directive, operators are required to suspend:
Public internet access
Sale and registration of new SIM cards
Outbound data roaming services to One Network Area (ONA) countries
UCC explained that the measures are intended to curb the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement to violence, which could undermine national security during elections.
The suspension applies across multiple platforms, including mobile broadband (cellular), fibre optic connections, leased lines, fixed wireless access, microwave radio links, and satellite internet services.
Services such as social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email, and messaging applications are classified as non-essential and must be blocked.
Essential Services Exempted
Despite the broad suspension, UCC outlined a strict exclusion list for essential services, which will remain operational under tightly controlled conditions and only on non-mobile internet connections.
These include:
Healthcare systems at national referral hospitals
Core financial services such as banking networks, ATMs, interbank transfers, and tax payment systems
Critical government systems, including immigration services, secure Electoral Commission portals, voter verification, and results tabulation systems
Utilities management systems for electricity, water, and fuel distribution
Transportation and aviation control systems, including air traffic control and railway signalling
SIM swap and SIM upgrade systems within existing regulations
Network operations centers, cybersecurity systems, regulatory reporting platforms, and infrastructure monitoring tools are also exempted to ensure stability and oversight of communications infrastructure.
Strict Compliance Measures
UCC warned operators against extending the exemption list or allowing any form of public bypass. Access to social media and messaging platforms is strictly prohibited, even within exempted environments.
Operators are also required to disable mobile VPN services on their networks.
All exempted systems must be secured through whitelisted mechanisms, such as dedicated IP ranges, private circuits, or controlled VPNs, with access limited to authorized personnel.
Operators must submit details of all whitelisted systems to UCC immediately upon implementation.
Failure to comply, the regulator cautioned, will attract severe sanctions, including fines and potential suspension of operating licences. Any operator unable to implement the selective suspension is required to shut down its entire internet infrastructure for the duration of the directive.
Restoration Process
UCC emphasized that services will only be restored upon receipt of explicit written authorization from the Commission.
A phased restoration plan will be communicated to operators in due course.
The Commission reiterated that the directive is a temporary measure designed to protect public safety, maintain national stability, and ensure the integrity of Uganda’s electoral process.
