Activist Stella Nyanzi. Photo/X
Prominent activist Stella Nyanzi has condemned the near-total internet blackout in Uganda, describing it as a violation of digital democracy just two days before the country’s general elections.
In a post on X, Nyanzi stated that for many Ugandans, access to the internet has become almost impossible, warning that the shutdown undermines both civic freedoms and the credibility of the electoral process.
She described the situation as a “rape” of Uganda’s digital democracy, questioning the government’s commitment to the principle that digital rights are human rights.
“The internet shutdown is now almost total. Two days to the sham general elections, our digital democracy has been raped right before the watchful eyes of the world,” Nyanzi wrote.
She challenged the authorities, asking what value a restricted electoral process holds if citizens cannot engage digitally or access information freely.
The blackout comes amid rising concerns from human rights groups and international observers over the transparency of Uganda’s electoral system.
Social media platforms, messaging services, and news outlets have reported widespread disruptions, leaving many citizens unable to communicate or follow developments online.
Analysts say the move could stifle dissent and limit independent monitoring of the elections, raising fears of irregularities.
Nyanzi and other civil society actors have called for the immediate restoration of internet access to safeguard both democratic participation and human rights ahead of Thursday’s vote.