Slashed incomes and gamers go cold turkey: the fallout from Uganda's internet shutdown

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete January 22, 2026 at 05:14 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

During Uganda's recent general election, the government ordered an internet shutdown to "ensure peace" and prevent misuse of communication platforms. The shutdown, lasting for two days either side of the election, severely impacted businesses reliant on online transactions. Mobile money agents like Mirembe Tracy experienced a complete loss of income due to disconnected withdrawals. Online businesses, including motorcycle taxi services and vendors using social media for sales, were also significantly affected, with some halting operations or reverting to cash transactions. Many individuals struggled to pay rent and cover basic costs due to the disruption, and recovery has been slow. The opposition claimed the shutdown was intended to cover up voter fraud.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

SafeBoda 50% Sammy Awami 50% BBC Africa 60% Kampala ×270% Mirembe Tracy ×270% Uganda Communications Authority 70% Namukwaya Olivia ×270% Uganda ×390%

Keywords

internet shutdown 100% uganda 90% income loss 80% mobile money 70% online business 60% general election 60% rent 50% communication platforms 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.70

Source Transparency

Source

BBC News - World

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 shutdown uganda income loss mobile money online business general election rent communication platforms

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