Ugandan officials impose internet blackout ahead of national elections
TL;DR
Ugandan authorities imposed an internet blackout and suspended mobile services ahead of elections, aiming to control information as President Museveni seeks a seventh term.
Source: The Record
Authorities in Uganda imposed an internet blackout and suspended some mobile phone services Jan. 14, the day before a general election. The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) started turning off internet and mobile phone services Jan. 13, according to the agency. Internet monitoring firm Netblocks confirmed the widespread internet shutdown. Authorities have halted the sale of new SIM or phone cards and cut off outbound data roaming services, Amnesty said in a press release. The internet blackout comes against the backdrop of a race to unseat Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking a seventh term and has stayed in office since 1986 by eliminating term limits and prosecuting rivals. Full Story