Ugandan authorities have implemented a nationwide internet shutdown as the country's presidential election commenced on Thursday, marking the third consecutive election where such measures have been taken. The blackout began on Tuesday at 6:00 pm local time, as confirmed by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) executive director Nyombi Thembo in a statement on X. The government cites the prevention of online misinformation as the reason, while critics argue it suppresses election information and could manipulate outcomes.
In response to the loss of traditional internet access, Ugandans have turned en masse to Bitchat, an encrypted messaging application that operates without internet by utilizing Bluetooth mesh networks. The app has surged to become the top free application on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Uganda. Data from January 5 indicated over 400,000 downloads in the country, a number that has grown substantially since the shutdown began. Virtual Private Network (VPN) apps have also seen a spike in popularity, highlighting the critical need for information access.
The surge was partly driven by opposition leader Bobi Wine, who urged supporters to install Bitchat to maintain communication. This move represents a direct adaptation to government-imposed restrictions. UCC director Thembo had previously downplayed the app, stating, "Why would you use Bitchat when there is internet, internet will be there, use internet," and later claimed his team had the technical capacity to disable it. However, a Bitchat developer known as Calle countered that the app's decentralized, offline nature makes it difficult to shut down.
This event fits a pattern of election-related internet restrictions in Uganda, with similar blackouts occurring in 2016 and 2021. Globally, Bitchat has proven to be a resilient communication tool during crises, having been used during social media bans in Nepal and Madagascar, and after Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica's infrastructure in November.
