Uganda’s Opposition Leader Urges Use Of Decentralized Messaging Ahead Of Election
Uganda’s opposition chief Bobi Wine has urged supporters to undertake a decentralized messaging app forward of the nation’s subsequent presidential election, warning that authorities could as soon as once more limit entry to the web and social media throughout the vote.
Key Takeaways:
- Uganda’s opposition warns of web shutdowns forward of the 2026 election.
- Past blackouts have disproportionately disrupted opposition exercise.
- Planned limits on Starlink have raised recent digital entry considerations.
In a post on X this week, Wine inspired Ugandans to obtain Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging service launched by Jack Dorsey, arguing that the software might assist residents keep related if communication channels are shut down.
Uganda’s presidential election is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026.
Uganda’s Past Internet Blackouts Hit Opposition Hard, Rights Group Says
Wine pointed to earlier elections as proof of what could lie forward. During the 2016 polls, and once more in 2021, the federal government imposed nationwide web and social media blackouts, citing safety considerations.
According to the Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network, these measures disproportionately affected opposition teams that relied on digital platforms to coordinate campaigns, monitor voting and mobilize protests.
“They change off the web with a purpose to block communication and make sure that residents don’t organise, confirm their election outcomes and demand accountability,” Wine wrote, alleging that such ways are used to hide election irregularities.
The authorities has constantly denied accusations of manipulation, saying restrictions are imposed to protect public order.
Uganda has been led by President Yoweri Museveni since 1986. Wine, who heads the National Unity Platform, ran in opposition to Museveni within the 2021 election however misplaced.
He later claimed the vote was rigged, an allegation rejected by the president and electoral authorities.
Concerns over digital entry have resurfaced in latest weeks following reviews that authorities plan to limit the import of Starlink satellite tv for pc web tools.
Reuters cited a authorities memo outlining the transfer, which might restrict entry to another high-speed web possibility in rural and underserved areas. Officials haven’t publicly detailed the scope of the restrictions.
Bitchat Uses Bluetooth Mesh to Enable Internet-Free Encrypted Messaging
Bitchat, which entered beta testing in July, operates with out conventional web infrastructure.
The app makes use of Bluetooth-based mesh networks to relay encrypted messages between nearby devices, permitting communication even when cellular information or broadband companies are unavailable.
According to its technical documentation, the system has no central servers and doesn’t require cellphone numbers, e mail addresses or person accounts.
Wine mentioned the expertise might permit info to unfold rapidly amongst massive teams, serving to supporters share updates and coordinate actions throughout the election interval.
Interest within the app seems to be rising. Google Trends information reveals searches for “Bitchat” in Uganda jumped sharply this week, with associated queries comparable to “how you can use Bitchat” flagged as breakout subjects.
Download information additionally signifies elevated exercise in latest days.
Similar surges in Bitchat adoption have beforehand been recorded during times of unrest in nations together with Madagascar, Nepal and Indonesia.
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