MWE Correspondent
Uganda’s decision to tighten controls on the importation of satellite-based internet equipment ahead of a highly anticipated national election has stirred renewed debate about digital freedoms and political transparency in the country.
The move comes just weeks before voters head to the polls on January 15, when President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his long rule in the East African nation to nearly 50 years. Once again, he faces opposition leader and musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, setting the stage for a contest that many observers expect to be closely fought and closely watched.
Concerns over the latest restrictions are rooted in recent history. During the 2021 elections, authorities imposed a nationwide internet shutdown that lasted several days, severely limiting access to online communication and social media platforms. The government defended the action as a security measure, but opposition figures and rights groups argued it was designed to restrict information flows and weaken mobilisation efforts. Bobi Wine rejected the results of that election, alleging irregularities, claims the government denied.
The current restrictions came to public attention after an internal memo from the national tax authority, dated December 19, surfaced on social media. The document indicated that imports of satellite internet devices and related communication equipment would now require special clearance beyond the usual procedures. Shortly after, the tax authority confirmed that the memo was authentic, giving official weight to what had initially appeared as a leak.
Under the directive, approval for importing such equipment must be granted by the head of the armed forces, introducing a strong security element into the regulation of communication technology. Critics argue that this shift raises questions about civilian oversight and the potential for political influence over access to connectivity.
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Opposition figures and digital rights advocates say satellite connectivity has become increasingly important as a backup option during periods of restricted access to conventional networks. Satellite-based systems are often viewed as harder to shut down and have been used elsewhere to maintain communication during crises or government-imposed outages. As a result, restrictions affecting satellite internet are being interpreted by some as a pre-emptive move to limit alternative channels of communication.
The government has not explicitly linked the import controls to the upcoming election, but officials have previously justified internet restrictions as necessary to preserve public order. Such arguments mirror a broader global trend, where internet shutdowns have increasingly been used by governments during elections, protests or periods of unrest, often drawing criticism from civil society and international observers.
As Uganda approaches another pivotal vote, the role of digital access is once again in sharp focus. The internet has become central to campaigning, election monitoring and the rapid sharing of information, making any disruption potentially significant. This is particularly true in countries with a history of disputed polls and heavy security deployments, such as Uganda.
With tensions rising and memories of past disruptions still fresh, the new measures have added uncertainty to the political landscape. Observers following the Uganda general election say the coming weeks will be a critical test of how authorities balance security concerns with the public’s right to communicate and access information freely.
