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 move comes as a response to the Ugandan Communications Commission's order to internet service providers to suspend public access to the internet. The commission aims 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. By restricting internet access, it becomes more difficult for people to share information, videos, and images about the events, making 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 shutdowns. During the last election in 2021, which saw widespread protests and dozens of deaths, the internet was cut for at least a week. This time, the presidential election features President Yoweri Museveni, seeking his seventh term, and former pop star Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. The outcome of this election will be closely watched, especially given the history of internet shutdowns and the potential impact on transparency and vote fraud.
