Following a strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has duly directed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement a temporary suspension of public internet access and the sale and registration of new SIM cards.
The measure, effective 13th January 2026 at 1800hrs, also includes the suspension of outbound data roaming services to One Network Area countries. According to the Commission, this action is necessary to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and related risks, as well as to prevent the incitement of violence that could affect public confidence and national security during the election period.
During this period, all non-essential public internet traffic must be blocked. This includes, but is not limited to, social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, and messaging applications. The directive applies to all forms of connectivity, including Mobile Broadband (Cellular), Fibre Optic, Leased Lines, Fixed Wireless Access, Microwave Radio Links, and Satellite Internet Services.
The UCC has further instructed operators to ensure that mobile VPN services are disabled on their networks. Any operator unable to implement these specific instructions must shut down their entire internet infrastructure for the duration of the suspension. Non-compliance will attract severe sanctions, including fines and potential license suspension.
Exclusion List for Essential Services
To safeguard public safety, critical national functions, and the operational integrity of communications infrastructure, the UCC has established a strictly defined exclusion list. These exclusions permit continued access to essential services and systems required for network monitoring and management, strictly for non-mobile internet services.
The following categories and systems are excluded from the suspension:
Essential Public Services and Critical Infrastructure Healthcare systems at National Referral Hospitals and financial services essential for public welfare, such as core banking networks, interbank funds transfer, ATM networks, and URA tax payment systems, will remain operational. Additionally, critical government services, including immigration, electoral commission secure portals, voter verification systems, and result tabulation networks are permitted. Utilities management for power, water, and fuel, as well as transportation and aviation control systems, will also be maintained.
Network Management and Regulatory Systems Network Operations Centers (NOCs), core routing diagnostics, and fault detection tools remain active to ensure infrastructure stability. Furthermore, regulatory and cybersecurity systems, including Intrusion Detection Systems and secure regulator reporting portals, are excluded to maintain oversight.
Implementation and Compliance
Operators are prohibited from extending the exclusion list or allowing any form of public bypass. Access to social media and messaging applications remains strictly prohibited even within these protected service provider environments.
Operators must isolate and secure access to the excluded systems using secure, whitelisted mechanisms such as dedicated IP ranges or VPNs, and must submit these whitelisted accounts to the UCC immediately upon implementation.
Ongoing compliance requires operators to maintain detailed logs of all traffic on excluded systems for UCC inspection. Any technical issues, suspected breaches, or compliance challenges must be reported to the Commission within 30 minutes. Services will only be restored upon receipt of an explicit written notice and a phased restoration plan from the UCC.
The UCC acknowledges the operational challenges this directive may impose and appreciates stakeholders’ full cooperation in upholding national stability during this sensitive period.