The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on Tuesday, January 13 temporarily suspended public internet access and mobile services, just two days before Ugandans go to the polls to vote for their leaders, including president.

In a statement, the Commission says decision to suspend public internet access, sale and registration of new simcards, and outbound data roaming services to One Network countries has been informed following a “strong” recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee.

“This measure is necessary to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks, as well as preventing of incitement of violence that could affect public confidence and national security during the election period,” a statement from UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo.

The suspension is effective 13th January 2026, at 6:00 pm and will remain in force until a restoration notice is issued by the UCC.

During this period, the Commission says that all non-essential public internet traffic must be blocked.

According to UCC, public internet traffic includes but not limited to social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging applications among others.

The suspension applies to Mobile Broadband (Cellular), Fibre Optic, Leased Lines, Fixed Wireless Access, Microwave Radio Links, and Satellite Internet Services.

The commission added: “To safeguard public safety, critical national functions, and the operational integrity of communications infrastructure, a strictly defined exclusion list has been established by the UCC. These exclusions permit continued access to essential services and systems required for network monitoring and management and is strictly for non-mobile internet services. If operators detect abuse of internet services by excluded services and systems, immediate suspension is required. Access to these excluded systems must be limited exclusively to authorized personnel and implemented through secure, whitelisted mechanisms (e.g.. dedicated IP ranges, VPNs, or private circuits).”