Uganda Cuts Internet Access Ahead of Presidential Election, Orders Rights Groups to Suspend Operations
Ugandan authorities cut internet access and restricted mobile services nationwide on Tuesday, just two days before President Yoweri Museveni is set to contest a controversial seventh term after nearly 40 years in power.
The Uganda Communications Commission instructed mobile service providers to suspend public internet services starting at 6 p.m. local time (1500 GMT) to mitigate “misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and related risks,” according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.
In the lead-up to the election, security forces have detained hundreds of supporters of the opposition, subjecting campaign events for Museveni’s main challenger, pop star Bobi Wine, to live ammunition and tear gas.
The UCC’s letter acknowledged the operational challenges this directive may cause but emphasized the need for cooperation to maintain national stability during this critical period.
At 81 years old, Museveni, who assumed power in 1986 following a five-year rebellion, is Africa’s third-longest serving leader.
He has amended the constitution twice to eliminate age and term limits, and political analysts suggest that his tight grip on Ugandan institutions leaves little room for an electoral upset in the nation of 46 million.
Human Rights Groups Targeted
Later on Tuesday, the government ordered two local rights organizations to halt their activities before Thursday’s election, which the United Nations Human Rights Office claims is occurring amid a climate of repression and intimidation.
These groups have been vocal against the alleged arbitrary detention and torture of opposition supporters and journalists.
The National Bureau for NGOs, a state-run body, notified Chapter Four Uganda that it had been found to be involved in activities deemed “prejudicial” to national security and must cease operations immediately.
Robert Ssempala, the head of the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U), confirmed receiving a similar cessation order. Stephen Okello, head of the state NGO bureau, acknowledged to Reuters that he had issued the letters.
Claims of Rights Abuses
A recent report from the U.N. Human Rights Office highlighted that Ugandan police and military forces have used live ammunition to disperse peaceful protests, conducted arbitrary arrests, and abducted opposition supporters in the run-up to the election.
A spokesperson for the Ugandan government did not respond to requests for comment regarding the report.
Officials from Museveni’s government have defended the actions of security forces, labeling them as justified responses to what they describe as unlawful behavior by opposition backers.
