Uganda Election Amid Internet Shutdown

Uganda's presidential election began on Thursday, January 15, 2026, under extraordinary circumstances. The nation's citizens headed to the polls to cast their votes, but the process was immediately hampered by significant logistical and technological challenges.

Most notably, a days-long internet shutdown was implemented across the country. This digital blackout has drawn sharp criticism from international observers and local advocates who view it as a deliberate move to stifle communication and transparency during a critical democratic event.

The atmosphere of the election is further defined by the political context of the nation. The incumbent president has been in power since 1986, a tenure spanning nearly four decades that has shaped the country's political landscape.

Despite the electronic communication blackout, voting commenced across the nation. However, the election was plagued by widespread delays from the very start. These delays were reported at numerous polling stations, creating queues and frustration among voters attempting to exercise their civic duty.

The combination of the internet shutdown and operational delays created a complex environment for the electoral process. Without access to digital communication, coordination between polling stations and central election authorities was severely hampered.

The specific causes of the delays included:

• Slow opening of polling stations in various regions
• Challenges in distributing election materials
• Difficulties in verifying voter identities without digital support
• General logistical bottlenecks affecting the timeline

The election is taking place in a political environment characterized by long-standing leadership. The current president has maintained control over the government since 1986, a period of more than 39 years.

This extended tenure has been a focal point of political discourse in the country. The internet shutdown is viewed by many as a continuation of tactics used to manage the political landscape and limit opposition activities.

The internet shutdown has been criticized as an anti-democratic tactic.

The absence of internet access prevents voters from accessing independent information, coordinating with opposition groups, or sharing real-time updates about the voting process. This creates a significant information asymmetry that favors the incumbent administration.

The events in Uganda have drawn attention from international bodies and democracy watchdogs. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have previously expressed concerns about the use of internet shutdowns as tools of political control.

Shutting down the internet during an election is widely regarded as a violation of fundamental rights. It restricts freedom of expression and the right to information, both of which are essential for a free and fair electoral process.

Key concerns raised by observers include:

• Inability to monitor election irregularities in real-time
• Suppression of voter mobilization efforts
• Lack of transparency in the vote-counting process
• Potential for manipulation without external oversight

Despite the challenges, the election proceeded as scheduled on Thursday. Voters lined up at polling stations, many waiting for extended periods due to the reported delays. The physical act of voting remained the primary method of participation, as digital alternatives were rendered unavailable.

The process was documented by observers on the ground, including Liza Kaminov, who reported on the unfolding events. The narrative of the day was one of resilience mixed with frustration, as citizens navigated the dual obstacles of logistical inefficiencies and a complete lack of digital connectivity.

The election represents a significant moment for the nation, testing the endurance of its democratic institutions under pressure. The results of the vote will determine the leadership direction for the coming term in a country that has known only one president for most of its recent history.

As the polls close and vote counting begins, the shadow of the internet shutdown looms large over the results. The lack of real-time communication makes it difficult to assess the integrity of the process as it unfolds.

The international community will be watching closely for the final outcome and the subsequent reaction from the Ugandan populace. The use of an internet blackout as a management tool for an election sets a concerning precedent for democratic processes globally.

Ultimately, the 2026 Ugandan presidential election will be remembered not just for who won, but for the extraordinary measures taken to control the flow of information during the vote. The legacy of this event will likely influence political discourse and civil liberties in the region for years to come.