News Digital

Uganda Pledges Open but Regulated Internet Ahead of January Vote

Uganda Pledges Open but Regulated Internet Ahead of January Vote
Wednesday, 07 January 2026 17:54
  • The Ugandan government says it will not restrict Internet access during the January 2026 elections.
  • Authorities emphasize regulation and content control rather than network shutdowns.
  • Uganda counts 11.4 million Internet users, with a penetration rate of 22% at end-2025.

On Monday, January 5, Aminah Zawedde, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), said the government had taken no decision to restrict Internet access during the electoral process. She denounced misleading information that could unnecessarily fuel tensions, according to an official statement from the ICT ministry.

Speaking to the media, Zawedde recalled the central role of digital tools in civic participation. She said information technologies allow voters to access reliable and timely information, thereby supporting the smooth conduct of the vote. In this context, the government said it favored a regulatory framework rather than restrictive measures, in coordination with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

This approach relies on enhanced dialogue with media organizations and digital platforms to promote professional and ethical coverage of election-related news. However, authorities stressed that some content remains prohibited, including the live broadcast of acts of violence or illegal processions.

Beyond communication, the executive branch seeks to contain the risks of disinformation and incitement to violence in a digital space that has become strategically important. Zawedde warned against the spread of false information that could “weaken social cohesion” and “undermine trust in the electoral process,” according to the ICT ministry.

The government also reminded operators that all service providers, including satellite Internet providers, must comply with the existing regulatory framework. Authorities said the operation of unlicensed services constitutes an offense subject to sanctions.

This clarification comes against the backdrop of previous elections. In January 2021, Uganda experienced a near-total Internet shutdown for several days around the presidential election, a move that drew widespread criticism from business groups and digital rights organizations.

As the January 15, 2026 vote approaches, observers will closely watch the government’s promise of an accessible but regulated network, including citizens and international economic actors. Uganda counted 11.4 million Internet users at the end of 2025, with Internet penetration estimated at 22%, according to DataReportal.

This article was initially published in French by Félicien Houindo Lokossou

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

 

On the same topic
Next Gen Infraco has launched commercial operations of Ghana’s shared 5G network. The government has ended the company’s exclusivity and will...
GSMA selected six African countries to host 2026 pilots for $30–$40 4G smartphones. Rising global memory prices threaten the...
During Ramadan and Lent, solidarity is increasingly expressed through digital tools. In Côte d’Ivoire, mobile phones and mobile money are becoming quiet...
Luxembourg has offered expertise in FinTech, cybersecurity and digital training as Senegal accelerates its tech agenda. Talks focused on...
Most Read
01

Senegal launches 200 billion CFA bond in UEMOA Proceeds to fund 2026 budget, transformation agend...

Senegal Launches $360 Million Regional Bond Sale
02

Amazon begins talks with Kenya on low-Earth orbit satellite broadband Kenya’s digital market ...

Amazon Turns to Kenya as Its Next Low-Orbit Satellite Internet Bet in Africa
03

Algeria’s NESDA and the Algerian‑Saudi Investment Company sign cooperation deal focused on researc...

Algeria’s NESDA, ASICOM Sign SME Investment Deal; Funding Details Unspecified
04

DRC seeks ITC support for local battery value chains Musompo SEZ targets $2 billion private ...

DRC seeks ITC support to advance battery mineral value chains
05

BOAD says sovereign bond purchases are liquidity management Member states accelerate borrow...

BOAD Defends Sovereign Bond Purchases as Liquidity Management, Not Budget Support
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

regie@agenceecofin.com 
Tél: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72


EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.