The Internet Will Not Be Switched Off- UCC

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. 

The commission then evaluates the request, informs the public, and only then can such action be taken. “Consumers, operators, and government have not told me to prepare for a switch-off of the internet, so these speculations are very unfortunate. If this were to happen, we would come out as regulators to brief the country and stakeholders on why it should happen,” Nyombi said.

He appealed to the public to disregard the rumors and continue with business as usual, stressing that there is no cause for alarm. Nyombi also cautioned that live broadcasting of riots, unlawful processions, and violent incidents is prohibited, as it undermines public order and spreads panic. He further warned media houses against announcing election results without authorization from the Electoral Commission.

 

On the issue of Starlink, Nyombi said the government is still processing the satellite internet provider’s license, a process that has taken nearly six months due to the company’s failure to submit all required documents and clarifications. He noted that although some members of the public are already using Starlink terminals to access satellite internet, such usage is illegal since the company has not yet been licensed to operate in Uganda. 

Nyombi added that UCC has evidence showing that some Ugandans are receiving Starlink signals because neighboring countries have already licensed the service. He said the commission has asked Starlink to geo-lock its signals from Uganda.