Authorities cite misinformation fears as President Museveni seeks a seventh term amid heightened political tension.

Ugandan authorities have imposed a nationwide internet shutdown and restricted mobile services just two days before Thursday’s presidential election, a move that has intensified concerns over transparency and civil liberties.

In a directive issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), mobile network operators were ordered to suspend public internet access from 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The regulator said the decision was aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and potential electoral fraud, according to a letter obtained by Reuters.

The shutdown comes as President Yoweri Museveni, 81, prepares to contest for a seventh term, extending his nearly four-decade grip on power. Museveni is widely expected to win the vote.

His main challenger, opposition figure and pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, 43, is making his second presidential run. His previous bid in 2021 was marked by violence, arrests of opposition supporters, and allegations of widespread electoral irregularities.

Six other candidates are also in the race in the East African nation of about 45 million people. Electoral authorities say Uganda has 21.6 million registered voters, many of whom rely heavily on digital platforms for political engagement, news, and election updates.

The internet restrictions have sparked renewed debate over the use of digital blackouts during elections, a practice critics say undermines democratic participation and freedom of expression.

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