Agency
The government has no plans to switch off the internet before, during, or after the forthcoming elections, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, has said.
Nyombi’s clarification follows widespread public speculation that the government intended to shut down internet services during the election period, similar to what happened during the 2021 general elections.
The speculation was fueled by a document circulating on social media, which UCC has since dismissed as fake.
The document advised members of the public to withdraw money from banks and mobile money platforms, claiming the government planned to disrupt banking services, switch off mobile money, and completely shut down the internet starting January 8 until the elections are concluded.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the government-owned Media Centre, Nyombi said the information circulating on social media over the past two days does not reflect the position of the government.
Nyombi explained that any decision to switch off the internet involves consultations among three key stakeholders—the government, telecom operators, and consumers—who must formally notify UCC with justifiable reasons.
