The Digital Rights Alliance Africa (DRAA) is deeply concerned by the unjustified restriction on
access to the internet and selected mobile services starting today at 18:00hrs as indicated in the
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) notice (Ref: ECO/436). The UCC has sought to justify
the restrictions as necessary to mitigate widespread misinformation, disinformation, and
electoral fraud and prevent incitement of violence. This decision to block access to internet and
mobile communication as the country heads to the polls on January 15, 2026, is an affront to
democracy, digital rights and civic participation. It is also a direct violation of the fundamental
freedom of expression and access to information at this critical time.