A major public-interest court case has been filed in Kampala to challenge the internet shutdown and slow internet speeds imposed in Uganda during the January 2026 general elections.

The case has been lodged at the High Court of Uganda (Civil Division) and is being supported by Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a pan-African non-governmental organisation that promotes digital rights and digital inclusion across Africa.

Paradigm Initiative is providing strategic and technical support to the applicants after the internet shutdown was reported on ripoti.africa, PIN’s platform for documenting digital rights violations on the continent.

The applicants, who are subscribers of major telecom companies in Uganda, have sued the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), MTN Uganda Limited, Airtel Uganda Limited, and Tangerine Limited, operators of Lyca Mobile. The case was filed under the Human Rights Enforcement Act, 2019.

The lawsuit challenges the internet shutdown and throttling that took place between January 13 and January 18, 2026, just days before Ugandans went to the polls. The applicants are asking the court for urgent relief and a full hearing on the matter. A hearing date is yet to be fixed.

On January 13, 2026, internet access across Uganda was suddenly restricted and later shut down following directives from the Uganda Communications Commission. The disruption continued throughout the election period. According to the applicants, the shutdown was done without prior notice, public explanation, or clear legal justification.

The applicants say the shutdown badly affected their daily lives. They say the restrictions limited access to information, education, business activities, legal services, and political participation, causing financial and personal losses.

The applicants argue that the actions of the regulators and telecom companies were arbitrary, excessive, and unconstitutional. They say the shutdown violated rights guaranteed under the Ugandan Constitution, as well as regional and international human rights laws that Uganda has committed to.

Among the key remedies being sought are a declaration that the internet shutdown was illegal and unconstitutional, orders to fully restore internet access, protection against future arbitrary internet shutdowns, compensation for losses suffered and payment of legal costs.

If the court rules in their favour, the case could set an important legal precedent. It would confirm that internet shutdowns violate fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, education, livelihood, and political participation.

The case also seeks to define the limits of government and regulatory power over internet access, especially during elections. It argues that any restriction on internet connectivity must meet strict standards of legality, necessity, proportionality, and transparency.

In addition, the case highlights the responsibility of telecom companies to respect human rights under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Paradigm Initiative says the case is part of its wider regional effort to stop the use of internet shutdowns as a political tool, strengthen constitutional protection for digital rights, and prevent similar disruptions during elections across East Africa and beyond.