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
Camtel secured $80.3 million (44.884 billion FCFA) in syndicated financing from Commercial Bank Cameroon to fund the first phase of its Mobile...
BEN–Valio partner for an exclusive AI licensing deal in Africa to deliver sovereignty-aligned, compliant AI solutions. Initiatives like AfricAI...
Corr-Serve became the sole distributor of Seceon’s AI-driven cybersecurity solutions in Southern Africa, with South Africa as the rollout hub for...
Deloitte expects ransomware and phishing attacks to intensify in Nigeria in 2026 as services and data move online. Nigeria ranked third in Africa...
Most Read
01

Togolese banks provided 16.2% of WAEMU cross-border credit by September 2025 Regional cross...

Togo accounts for 16.2% of cross-border bank financing in WAEMU
02

The BoxCommerce–Mastercard Partnership introduces prepaid cards, giving SMEs instant access to e...

South Africa’s BoxCommerce Partners with Mastercard on SME Fintech Solution
03

Nigeria licensed Amazon’s Project Kuiper to operate satellite services from 2026, setting up dir...

Amazon and Starlink Set Up Satellite Internet Rivalry in Africa
04

Microfinance deposits in Togo increased by CFA11.9 billion, a 2.7% rise in the second quarter of 2...

Microfinance: Deposits in Togo Rise 2.7% in Second Quarter of 2025
05

Gas-fired plants and renewables anchor Mauritania’s electricity expansion plan New thermal, solar...

Mauritania shapes power supply growth around gas and renewables
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.