The Uganda government on Tuesday, January 13 called for the suspension of public internet access and mobile services, the order coming just two days before Ugandans head to the polls.

In a statement, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said the decision had been met following a “strong” recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee.

Fast forward to January 15, 2026 election day, it is emerging that a little-known messaging app has become a key lifeline for Ugandans cut off from internet connection.

What is Bitchat?

Bitchat, according to research firm Apptopia, has emerged to the top of Apple and Google app stores in the landlocked country after clocking more than 28,000 downloads in 2026.

Launched by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey in July 2025, the app has minimal user interface and requires no log-in. Unlike Twitter, now called X, Bitchat does not require internet or cellular connectivity.

Bitchat uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks to relay encrypted messages between devices. It offers a novel approach to privacy, resilience, and user empowerment in digital communication.

Bobi Wine’s rallying call

Opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulani, popularly known as Bobi Wine, seems to have anticipated that President Museveni’s government will shut down internet access during elections.

In the run-up to the January 15 General Election, Bobi Wine has been urging his suppporters to download Bitchat.

Bobi Wine emphasised that Bitchat will allow users to “communicate with thousands of people in record time” when the government shuts down the internet.

“Users will be able to send pictures of DR Forms and share any other critical information to specific or other users through Bitchat,” Bobi Wine advised.