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Elections in the Dark: How Uganda’s 2026 Internet Shutdown Undermined Democracy


When Ugandans went to the polls in January 2026, they did so in an environment shaped not only by political contestation, but by deliberate digital silence.

What unfolded was not an isolated technical disruption, but a calculated sequence of state actions that fundamentally weakened electoral credibility, constrained civic participation, and exposed activists, journalists, and voters to grave risks.

This is the story of how we got there, what it meant on the ground, and what must happen next.

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Data Protection

EMPOWERING YOU WITH CONTROL OVER YOUR PRIVACY AND DIGITAL LIFE

We raise awareness about the risks associated with the processing of personal data online and offline. This includes educating individuals about the types of data that are typically collected by companies and how that data can be used..

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Freedom of expression & other Internet Freedoms

AMPLIFYING YOUR VOICE, PRESERVING YOUR ONLINE FREEDOM

Through our lobbying efforts, we engage with the government and other stakeholders to promote internet freedoms and prevent censorship. As a human rights organization, we are committed to defending the rights of internet users and ensuring that they are not violated. We believe that an open and secure internet is essential for the promotion of democracy, human rights, and social justice.

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Policy and Legal Reform

DRIVING CHANGE THROUGH POLICY AND LEGAL REFORM

We work with other organizations and stakeholders to advocate for policy and legal reforms that promote digital rights and freedoms in Uganda. We also monitor the implementation of existing laws and policies to ensure that they are aligned with international human rights standards.

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Digital Inclusion

DIGITAL INCLUSION FOR ALL

Our Digital Inclusion and Innovation Program is focused on promoting digital inclusion in Uganda and beyond, particularly among marginalized communities, and fostering innovation in the digital space. The program aims to bridge the digital divide, increase access to digital technologies, and promote the use of digital platforms for social and economic development.

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Advocacy and Research

RESEARCHING FOR CHANGE , ADVOCATING FOR IMPACT

We carry out research activities to identify challenges that individuals and communities face regarding digital rights and freedoms in Uganda and beyond. We conduct evidence-based research, which provides a basis for the formulation of policy recommendations that guide our advocacy activities. Through research, we identify the gaps in digital rights and freedoms policies and highlight issues that require urgent attention from policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders.

THE 2024 PRIVACY SCORECARD REPORT CHECK OUT OUR RESEARCH
Digital Identity

LEGAL AID FOR AN EQUITABLE SOCIETY

We are committed to providing legal aid services to individuals who have experienced digital rights violations in Uganda. We understand the importance of legal representation in ensuring that victims receive justice and compensation. We partner with legal organizations and lawyers to provide these services and make them accessible to those who need them the most. We believe that every individual has the right to access justice and receive fair treatment under the law.

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OUR LATEST NEWS

January 27, 2026

Why Data Privacy Is the Missing Piece of Electoral Integrity

By Unwanted Witness 27 January 2026-Kampala, Uganda | Africa. Elections are often discussed in terms of […]
January 21, 2026

Elections in the Dark: How Uganda’s 2026 Internet Shutdown Undermined Democracy

By Unwanted Witness Kampala, Uganda – January 21, 2026 When Ugandans went to the polls in […]
June 13, 2025

Unwanted Witness Launches Groundbreaking Report on Surveillance Threats to Civil Society in East & Southern Africa

Harare, Zimbabwe – 10 June 2025 — Today, at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Harare, Zimbabwe, Unwanted […]

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