• Ugandan authorities cut internet access nationwide ahead of presidential elections.
• President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his 40-year rule amid opposition crackdowns.
• Amid heavy security, notable opposition leader Bobi Wine is challenging Museveni.
• International media access restricted during political rallies and heightened repression reported.
• The internet blackout is justified by the government to curb "misinformation."

Ugandan authorities instituted a nationwide internet blackout on January 13, just two days before presidential elections that are expected to extend President Yoweri Museveni's 40-year rule. The Uganda Communications Commission mandated mobile operators to block internet access at 6 PM local time in a move described as necessary to prevent "misinformation" and "incitement to violence," though there was no formal government announcement regarding the decision, which an unnamed official attributed to a lack of willingness to "own" the responsibility, according to Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

The internet disruption has raised alarms among human rights organizations and United Nations observers, citing a growing climate of "widespread repression and intimidation" ahead of the election, where Museveni is widely seen as having the electoral landscape heavily skewed in his favor. Despite promises made as recently as January 5 that the internet would remain operational during the election, this blackout mirrors actions taken during the previous election in 2021, which was fraught with allegations of fraud and violence, according to South China Morning Post.

The political climate remains tense, as Museveni faces robust opposition from Bobi Wine, a singer-turned-politician who has garnered substantial public support despite significant government repression, including violent crackdowns on his rallies. Hundreds of his supporters have been arrested ahead of the elections, and prominent opposition figure Kizza Besigye remains imprisoned on treason charges stemming from his past challenges against Museveni, according to Le Monde, Al Jazeera, and South China Morning Post.

Despite a heavy security presence during a recent campaign rally, attendees expressed mixed sentiments about the election and their support for Museveni. Some participants indicated they were incentivized to attend by the promise of free food rather than genuine political support, revealing a disconnect between government narratives and public sentiment. A 23-year-old attendee, Mugaala, remarked, "You give me food for today, but what is tomorrow?" reflecting the prevailing uncertainty regarding the political future, as cited by Le Monde and Al Jazeera.