Uganda faces mounting calls to end internet blackout before elections

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffJanuary 14, 2026 at 05:05 PM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

Uganda is facing increasing international pressure, including from the United Nations, to end a nationwide internet blackout implemented on January 12, 2026, ahead of the January 15 general election. The Ugandan government instructed mobile network operators to block public internet access. International organizations like the UN Human Rights Office and NetBlocks have expressed concern that the shutdown limits transparency and hinders free and genuine elections. The blackout occurs amid accusations of government repression against critics, political opposition, and journalists during the election campaign, where President Yoweri Museveni is being challenged by Bobi Wine. Concerns are rising about the potential for vote fraud and the suppression of dissenting voices.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

East African 40% Ugandan authorities 50% UN Human Rights Office ×260% NetBlocks 60% January 15 general election 60% UN 70% Bobi Wine 70% Amnesty International 70% Yoweri Museveni 80% Uganda ×790%

Keywords

internet blackout 100% uganda 90% elections 80% repression 70% political opposition 60% freedom of information 60% bobi wine 50% yoweri museveni 50% vote fraud 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.70

Source Transparency

Source

Al Jazeera

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Uganda

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 elections repression political opposition freedom of information bobi wine yoweri museveni vote fraud

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