Uganda Plans Online Surveillance Ahead of 2026 General Election
The Ugandan government has confirmed that Uganda plans online surveillance ahead of the 2026 General Election, signaling a renewed push to monitor digital platforms as part of its broader electoral strategy. The move is intended to curb what authorities describe as “the spread of misinformation, incitement, and destabilizing content” on social media and messaging apps.
However, civil society groups and opposition politicians argue that the increased digital oversight may be a pretext to suppress dissent and stifle political expression in the lead-up to a highly anticipated and potentially contentious election.
Government’s Justification for Digital Monitoring
According to officials from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Ministry of ICT, the online surveillance plan will involve:
- Tracking of political discourse on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and WhatsApp
- Use of AI-powered tools to flag and filter content deemed harmful or illegal
- Cooperation with telecom companies to enforce digital restrictions when necessary
- Expanded cyber-monitoring units within security agencies
Authorities claim the objective is not censorship but the prevention of “disinformation campaigns and foreign influence” in Uganda’s democratic process
Public Concerns and Digital Rights Issues
Digital rights advocates and international observers have raised alarms, noting that similar initiatives in past elections resulted in:
- Internet shutdowns, particularly on voting days
- Arbitrary arrests of bloggers and online activists
- Media blackouts and content takedowns without due process
With Uganda already ranked low on global internet freedom indices, many fear that Uganda’s plan for online surveillance ahead of the 2026 General Election could further limit civic space and erode democratic accountability.
“The right to access and share information is central to free and fair elections,” said James Mugisha, a digital rights researcher with DefendDefenders. “This policy may deepen public distrust in electoral processes.”
Opposition Reactions and Political Implications
Opposition leaders, including those from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), accuse the government of leveraging online surveillance to intimidate critics and monitor campaign activity under the guise of national security.
They argue that the focus should be on electoral transparency, fair media coverage, and impartial electoral commissions rather than increased control of online spaces.
“We don’t need cyber-censorship. We need electoral justice,” said a spokesperson for the NUP.
Lessons from Previous Elections
Uganda’s 2021 election saw widespread internet disruptions, with platforms like Facebook being restricted for months. Several journalists and activists reported being monitored or threatened for online content critical of the regime.
These precedents have fueled skepticism over whether the new measures will genuinely enhance security—or serve as political tools for silencing dissent.
Global Reactions and Future Outlook
Human rights organizations including Amnesty International and Access Now have called on the Ugandan government to:
- Uphold international commitments to freedom of expression
- Avoid blanket bans or mass surveillance
- Ensure transparency and oversight in digital monitoring mechanisms
With the 2026 General Election expected to draw high voter engagement and international attention, how Uganda balances security and digital freedom will be closely watched
A Test of Digital Democracy
As Uganda plans online surveillance ahead of the 2026 General Election, the country stands at a crossroads between securing its electoral process and safeguarding constitutional freedoms. Whether this plan enhances electoral integrity or undermines digital rights will depend on its implementation, transparency, and checks on abuse.
For voters, civil society, and international allies, the next few months will be pivotal in shaping the digital landscape of Uganda’s democracy.
