Charles Onyango Obbo. Photo/Courtesy
Veteran Ugandan journalist Charles Onyango-Obbo has said the internet blackout imposed during Thursday’s elections worked against Uganda’s interests by shaping negative global narratives about the country.
In remarks shared on X, Onyango-Obbo observed that the shutdown became the defining image of Uganda’s election internationally, pushing other aspects of the voting process out of focus.
He noted that instead of attention on polling day activities, voter turnout, or logistical arrangements, global media fixated on the absence of internet access.
According to his breakdown, about 80 per cent of international coverage framed the election around suppression and restrictions, with outlets such as the BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Associated Press and NPR leading that narrative.
A smaller portion, estimated at 15 per cent, portrayed the election as calm and orderly, largely driven by state-linked and Chinese media.
The remaining coverage focused on regional or peripheral election issues.
Onyango-Obbo argued that without the internet shutdown, Uganda would likely have received more balanced global reporting.
He described the decision as a “shot in the foot”, suggesting it handed critics an easy narrative while limiting the country’s ability to project a fuller picture of events on the ground.
Uganda has repeatedly enforced internet restrictions during elections, with authorities citing security and public order concerns.
However, civil society groups, opposition leaders and sections of the media have criticised the move, saying it undermines transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
The journalist’s comments have resonated locally, reopening debate on whether internet blackouts during elections protect national stability or instead damage Uganda’s democratic image at home and abroad.