The internet has been shut down in Uganda ahead of the country's general elections on Thursday, according to Netblocks, an internet monitoring organization. This follows an order by Uganda's communications commission to internet service providers to suspend public access to the internet, citing the need to 'mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud' and prevent incitement of violence. However, Netblocks warns that this measure may have unintended consequences, potentially limiting transparency and increasing the risk of vote fraud. The restriction of the internet makes it difficult for people to share information, videos, and images about the events, which in turn makes it harder for journalists and election monitors to verify and report on the situation. This is not the first time Uganda has faced such internet disruptions; during the last election in 2021, which saw widespread protests and dozens killed, the internet was cut for at least a week. The upcoming presidential election, which pits President Yoweri Museveni, seeking his seventh term, against former pop star Bobi Wine, is expected to be a contentious one, with the internet shutdown potentially impacting the ability of citizens to engage in open dialogue and access accurate information.
