A Ugandan lawyer has cautioned that government-imposed internet shutdowns during elections risk deepening public mistrust and accelerating the spread of misinformation, rather than restoring order or credibility.
In a statement shared on X, lawyer Jude Byamukama argued that blocking access to the internet to control narratives around election results undermines confidence in official communication.
He said such actions create an environment where citizens are more likely to doubt accurate information from state agencies and instead believe unverified reports circulating through informal channels.
“When the State blocks the internet to control the narrative about election results, it bleeds a fertile ground for citizens to distrust even accurate information from State agencies,” Byamukama said.
Uganda has a history of internet disruptions during election periods, with authorities often citing national security and public order concerns.
However, critics have consistently argued that shutdowns limit access to information, restrict media operations, and infringe on citizens’ rights.
Byamukama warned that suppressing online platforms may unintentionally strengthen what he described as a “fake news industry,” driven by public anger and suspicion.
According to him, frustrated citizens are more likely to give credibility to unofficial sources, regardless of their accuracy, once trust in state communication erodes.
He further noted that internet shutdowns can distort electoral accountability by providing cover for both genuine losers and bad actors.
Candidates who lose fairly may use the lack of transparent information to claim fraud, while actual electoral malpractice may be harder to scrutinize in the absence of open digital spaces.
The lawyer urged authorities to reconsider the use of internet shutdowns, arguing that transparency and open communication are more effective in maintaining public trust during politically sensitive periods.