Faith Nyasuguta
Amnesty International has warned that Uganda could once again shut down the internet or restrict access to social media platforms as political tensions rise, raising serious concerns about freedom of expression, access to information, and human rights in the country. The warning comes amid renewed crackdowns on dissent, civic space, and independent journalism, with authorities increasingly relying on digital controls to manage political narratives.
Uganda has a history of internet disruptions, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections and mass protests. In January 2021, on the eve of the general election, the government imposed a nationwide internet shutdown that lasted several days, effectively cutting off millions of Ugandans from communication, business, and essential services. Social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter (now X), and WhatsApp were either blocked or heavily restricted, a move authorities justified as necessary for national security.
Amnesty International says recent developments suggest the risk of a repeat remains high. According to the human rights organisation, the Ugandan government has intensified surveillance, arrests of opposition figures, and restrictions on public assembly, all of which are often accompanied by threats to control digital spaces. Amnesty warns that shutting down the internet would violate international human rights law and further erode democratic freedoms in the country.
“The internet has become a critical tool for civic participation, access to information, and accountability,” Amnesty noted, adding that any attempt to disrupt it would disproportionately affect young people, journalists, human rights defenders, and small businesses that rely on digital platforms for their livelihoods. The organisation stressed that blanket shutdowns are neither lawful nor proportionate and amount to collective punishment of the population.
Civil society groups in Uganda have echoed these concerns, arguing that digital restrictions are increasingly used to silence criticism and shield those in power from scrutiny. Activists point out that online platforms have become one of the few remaining spaces where Ugandans can debate national issues, mobilise peacefully, and share information beyond state-controlled media.
The economic cost of internet shutdowns is also significant. Past disruptions have resulted in millions of dollars in losses, particularly affecting mobile money services, online traders, transport operators, and freelancers. For a country with a youthful population and a growing digital economy, another shutdown could deal a major blow to innovation and employment.
Government officials have previously defended internet controls by citing the need to curb misinformation, hate speech, and threats to public order. However, Amnesty argues that these concerns can be addressed through targeted, lawful measures rather than sweeping shutdowns that impact the entire population. The organisation has called on Ugandan authorities to commit publicly to keeping the internet open and to respect their obligations under both national and international law.
Amnesty has also urged regional bodies, including the East African Community and the African Union, to take a stronger stance against internet shutdowns, which have become increasingly common across the continent. According to digital rights groups, Africa records some of the highest numbers of government-imposed internet disruptions globally, often during elections or protests.
As Uganda navigates a tense political environment, the warning from Amnesty highlights the fragile state of digital rights and civic freedoms in the country. For many Ugandans, access to the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity – one that underpins daily life, economic survival, and democratic participation. Any move to plunge the country into digital darkness, rights groups say, would deepen mistrust, fuel unrest, and further isolate Uganda from the global community.
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