Uganda cuts internet days before presidential election

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Stephen QuillenJanuary 13, 2026 at 07:37 PM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

Uganda implemented a nationwide internet blackout on January 13, 2026, two days before the presidential election. The government regulatory body instructed mobile network operators to block public internet access. This action raises concerns about repression as President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for 40 years, seeks a seventh term. Museveni is being challenged by Bobi Wine, and the election has been preceded by arrests of opposition supporters and criticism from the UN regarding widespread repression and intimidation. While Wine views his candidacy as a campaign against impunity, he believes the election will not be free or fair.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Catherine Soi 30% Al Jazeera 30% International Crisis Group 40% United Nations Human Rights Office 50% Kizza Besigye 50% Bobi Wine ×370% Uganda ×480% Yoweri Museveni ×790%

Keywords

internet blackout 100% uganda 90% presidential election 90% yoweri museveni 80% political repression 70% election interference 60% bobi wine 60% human rights 50% kizza besigye 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.60

Source Transparency

Source

Al Jazeera

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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internet blackout uganda presidential election yoweri museveni political repression election interference bobi wine human rights kizza besigye

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