Uganda’s 2026 Elections: Government Shuts Down Internet as Catholic Church Reports Growing Fear and Anxiety

Kampala, 15 January, 2026 / 11:51 PM

Ugandans have cast their votes in the January 15 general elections amid a nationwide internet shutdown in a move that the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) made “to curb misinformation.”

UCC reportedly directed all mobile network operators and internet service providers to suspend public internet access nationwide, citing the need to curb online misinformation and disinformation and to maintain security during the election period.

The shutdown that started at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, comes days after the Local Ordinary of Kampala, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, lamented about the growing fear and anxiety that he said is fueled by divisive narratives in the media.

In his January 6 homily during the Perpetual, Jubilee, and Diamond Profession at Nkokonjeru in His Metropolitan see, Archbishop Ssemogerere said that peaceful elections would not only bring justice but also harmony to the East African nation.

“We pray for our nation that it may remain peaceful, especially during times of elections. What we see in the media is disappointing and creates fear and anxiety,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said.

He added, “Pray for peaceful elections so that justice, freedom, and harmony may prevail.”

The Archbishop reflected on the call to hope amid uncertainty, encouraging the people of God to remain hopeful despite the challenges they face in their nation.

On January 7, Catholic Bishops in Uganda also released a national prayer ahead of the country’s general elections, urging Ugandans to seek divine guidance for a peaceful, free, and fair poll.

In their Tuesday, January 5 announcement releasing the prayer, members of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) implored God to grant the country’s Electoral Commission the wisdom to “carry out its task with integrity, fairness, and truth.”

They further encourage the people of God under their pastoral care to unite in reciting the prayer for the nation and the forthcoming electoral exercise.

In the January 15 elections, Ugandans cast their ballots to elect the president and 499 members of the East African country’s National Assembly.

The general election attracted eight presidential candidates, including the incumbent 81-year-old Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who has been in office since 1986.

Also in the presidential race are the National Unity Party’s Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and Kasibante Robert of the National Peasants Party (NPP).

The Elections  reportedly occurred amid heavy security presence and reports of crackdowns on the opposition, including arrests of supporters and restrictions on civic groups.

The United Nations and human rights observers have signaled concerns over widespread repression, intimidation of critics, and limits on free expression.

African Union (AU) – Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) – Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission is reportedly among the groups monitoring the electoral process.

Uganda’s Constitution clearly outlines the process for declaring presidential election results. The Electoral Commission is required to publish official results within 48 hours of polling, listing the number of valid votes each candidate received.

To win outright, a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the valid votes cast. If no candidate achieves this majority, the Constitution states that a run-off election is held within 30 days between the top two contenders.

In cases where only one candidate is nominated, the Constitution allows for that candidate to be declared elected unopposed. Once declared the winner, the President is required to assume office within 24 hours after the outgoing President’s term ends or following the official declaration.

Individual polling station results are counted immediately after voting, signed by election officials, and transmitted to the relevant authorities for consolidation.

The country’s Constitution also provides a mechanism for challenging election results. Any aggrieved candidate may petition the Supreme Court within 15 days of the declaration. The court must issue a ruling within 45 days, and if the election is annulled, a fresh presidential election must be held within 60 days.

This framework, as stipulated in the country’s Constitution, is to ensure a legal and transparent process for both declaring and contesting presidential elections in Uganda.