Thursday, 14th January 2021, has been the day most Ugandans have eagerly awaited. Today, Ugandans have come out in large numbers, ready to elect their desired Presidential candidate. Museveni, Bobi Wine, and POA happen to be the primary candidates battling to secure the top seat. And it is in the hands of the public to decide on their best pick. However, Uganda faces a ‘MUST’ blackout in the entire parts.
The Blackout
The Communications Regulator of Uganda ordered the telecoms operator to cut all internet connections starting from Wednesday evening. The connection will be off until they were sure the situation in the country was under control. The blackout is attributable to the possibility of a brutal crackdown in case of election irregularities. Therefore, by enhancing those steps, chances of election malpractice are close to non-existent.
How has the Blackout Affected Ugandans
The unavailability of internet connection in the country has posed numerous challenges for Ugandans, especially those living in the towns and cities used to internet connections. Citizens in the country complained starting from the eve of the elections of no internet coverage on their mobile phones. The Internet monitor NetBlocks announced on Twitter the same day that the whole country would experience a blackout starting from 7:00 pm due to the coming elections. Nompilo Morafo, the group executive for MTN corporate affairs, confirmed the outage through a statement made earlier. MTNU is the leading mobile operator in Uganda, as it facilitates 60% of mobile users in the country.
“I can confirm that MTN Uganda and all Licensed Telecommunication Operators in the country have received a directive from Uganda Communications Commission to implement a suspension of the operation of all internet Gateways and associated access points, ” Nompilo Morafo said.
Ibrahim Bbossa, the UCC spokesman, failed to comment when news agencies messaged and called him regarding the blackout.
Morafo also stated that MTNU would engage with the relevant stakeholders to limit service disruption in the country. This is as they are dealing with unending complaints from users who demand the restoration of their internet connectivity.
Significance of Internet Ban Amid Elections
Elections are a process of transition that deserves the utmost care. Why? Because in most cases, post-elections events are usually accompanied by violence, unrest, bitterness, etc. This happens when People and politicians engage in bitter confrontations, which result in hate speech. Some of these events incite people, and it is not long before they result in a political crisis. Therefore, blocking means of communication might be a suitable way to control election clashes.
So many controversies have evolved on Uganda’s politics. Even at the time of elections, citizens are not settled. As of now, all they are hoping for is free and fair elections, especially since the main political rivals have clashed in several incidences. I.e., Bobi Wine and Museveni. Mr. Wine has alleged several instances he has dealt with Ugandan security. The prominent opposition leader has complained of consistent attacks from the Ugandan authorities. Hopefully, the Presidential elections will end successfully.
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