Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has condemned the internet shutdown imposed in Uganda ahead of Thursday’s general election. The organisation also criticised restrictions placed on media coverage of protests and demonstrations.

PIN states that these actions constitute serious violations of digital rights, media freedom, and democratic principles at a crucial moment in Uganda’s electoral process.

According to the organisation, evidence shows that internet access across Uganda has been disrupted. Social media platforms, messaging services, and online news websites have all been affected.

PIN noted that this happened despite earlier public assurances from the Uganda Communications Commission that the government did not plan to shut down the internet during the elections.

"The shutdown represents a troubling reversal of that commitment and raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental rights," PIN said.

The organisation noted that Uganda has a history of internet shutdowns during elections, including those in 2016 and 2021. In the 2021 elections, a near-total internet blackout lasted for several days. PIN said this severely affected freedom of expression, access to information, election observation, media reporting, and economic activities.

“Repeating these measures despite widespread national, regional, and international condemnation demonstrates a continued pattern of using digital restrictions as a tool of election management,” the statement added.

Paradigm Initiative also condemned directives that prevent media houses from covering protests or demonstrations during this period. According to the group, such restrictions violate media freedom and the public’s right to information. They also weaken the role of the media as a watchdog in a democratic society.

PIN warned that blocking coverage of protests can spread misinformation, increase tension, and reduce public trust in the electoral process.

The organisation referred to Article 29 of Uganda’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and access to information. It also noted that Uganda is a signatory to international agreements such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protect these same rights.

PIN stressed that any restriction on these rights must be lawful, necessary, proportionate, and for a legitimate purpose. It said blanket internet shutdowns and platform restrictions do not meet these standards and are against Uganda’s constitutional and international obligations.

At the global level, PIN cited the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, who has consistently stated that internet shutdowns are disproportionate and cannot be justified, even during elections or periods of political tension.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has also recently urged the Government of Uganda to keep the internet on and respect freedom of expression and media freedom during the current electoral period. This call is based on existing African human rights standards that discourage government interference with digital access.

PIN further noted that Internet Service Providers and technology companies operating in Uganda have a responsibility to respect human rights. Under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, they are expected to be transparent and avoid participating in unlawful or excessive restrictions on internet access.

Paradigm Initiative is calling for the immediate restoration of full internet access across Uganda. It also wants an end to all forms of digital disruption during and after the elections.

The organisation further demands the withdrawal of all directives that restrict media coverage of protests, demonstrations, or political events.

It also calls on Internet Service Providers to be accountable by publishing transparency reports that clearly explain government orders affecting internet access.