Activists Slam Uganda Internet Shutdown, Urge Global Rejection of Poll Results
Activists Slam Uganda Internet Shutdown, Urge Global Rejection of Poll Results
Internet Blackout Raises Transparency Concerns
Human rights activists have criticised Uganda’s decision to shut down internet services ahead of the General Election, warning that the move undermines transparency and public trust in the voting process.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday, the activists condemned the suspension ordered by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on Tuesday.
They said the blackout threatens openness as the country prepares to vote on Thursday, January 15.
The group argued that restricting internet access limits the ability of citizens, observers, and media to monitor the election in real time.
Activists Slam Uganda Internet Shutdown, Urge Global Rejection of Poll Results
Electoral Commission Under Fire
Led by VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, the activists accused Uganda’s Electoral Commission of lacking independence and competence. They argued that the commission cannot deliver a free and fair election under the current political conditions.
According to the group, Uganda’s electoral environment falls short of internationally recognised democratic standards. They cited concerns around voter registration, institutional preparedness, and political freedoms.
“What is unfolding is not a democratic exercise,” the activists said. “It is a state-sponsored campaign of repression meant to undermine the will of the Ugandan people.”
They also accused the Electoral Commission of complicity in weakening the credibility of the vote.
Claims of Past Irregularities
The activists referenced earlier remarks by President Yoweri Museveni, who previously claimed the Electoral Commission mishandled the 2021 election. He alleged that he lost more than 2.7 million votes, despite being declared the winner.
The group said those claims, combined with current irregularities in the voter register, point to systemic failures in election management.
Call for International Action
The human rights defenders urged the international community to reject any election results they deem fraudulent. They called for closer scrutiny of Uganda’s electoral process and greater accountability from state institutions.
They also appealed to regional and global bodies to take a stronger stance in defending democratic principles and the rights of Ugandan voters.
