- Thread starter
- Staff
- #1
Dadparvar
Staff member
- Nov 11, 2016
- 10,684
- 0
- 6
Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated on Thursday that the internet shutdown imposed during Uganda’s elections violated fundamental rights and undermined election integrity, urging authorities to immediately restore full internet access.
HRW researcher Tomiwa Ilori noted that by suspending internet services, Uganda failed to comply with its human rights obligations under the constitution and international law, which both guarantee the rights to access information and to freedom of expression. To restore credibility and protect the transparency of the electoral process, Ilori recommended restoration of full connectivity without delay.
HRW reported that Uganda’s telecommunications regulator, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), ordered in January all mobile networks operators and internet services providers to suspend internet access nationwide just two days before elections, which violated article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information.
According to the group, the shutdown was part of a broader crackdown on rights and civil society, as authorities have also suspended the work of several civil society organizations and activists during the same period. Consequently, HRW called on telecommunications companies to take the necessary measures to push back against the internet shutdown and to comply with international law. It also called on Uganda’s international partners to press Ugandan authorities to comply with international standards by lifting the internet restrictions.
In response, the UCC denied the implementation of a nationwide internet shutdown, calling the allegations false, unfounded, and misleading. It explained that the government knew of the importance of the right to access information and digital inclusion during the election period, but feared the spread of false information online. The UCC urged internet users to verify information before sharing it, warning of attempts to spread misinformation and disturb the public order. The commission further prompt media actors to report responsibly without inciting violence or undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
Uganda is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on January 15. However, the lead up has seen widespread unrest attributed to restrictions on freedom of assembly and civil space as well as clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. Earlier this month, Amnesty International condemned the unlawful use of force by security forces against opposition rallies.
On January 10, HRW expressed concern about the arrest of a prominent government critic ahead of the elections. Rights organizations have also criticized the January 2026 elections for lacking credibility, describing them as mechanisms to “reinforce incumbent power rather than promote accountability.”
Additionally, Amnesty International condemned the Ugandan authorities’ decision to shut down mobile phone and internet services, describing this action as a human rights violation.
The post Rights group urges Uganda to lift internet restrictions amid ongoing elections appeared first on JURIST - News.
Continue reading...
Note: We don't have any responsibilities about this news. Its been posted here by Feed Reader and we had no controls and checking on it. And because News posted here will be deleted automatically after 21 days, threads are closed so that no one spend time to post and discuss here. You can always check the source and discuss in their site.
HRW researcher Tomiwa Ilori noted that by suspending internet services, Uganda failed to comply with its human rights obligations under the constitution and international law, which both guarantee the rights to access information and to freedom of expression. To restore credibility and protect the transparency of the electoral process, Ilori recommended restoration of full connectivity without delay.
HRW reported that Uganda’s telecommunications regulator, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), ordered in January all mobile networks operators and internet services providers to suspend internet access nationwide just two days before elections, which violated article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information.
According to the group, the shutdown was part of a broader crackdown on rights and civil society, as authorities have also suspended the work of several civil society organizations and activists during the same period. Consequently, HRW called on telecommunications companies to take the necessary measures to push back against the internet shutdown and to comply with international law. It also called on Uganda’s international partners to press Ugandan authorities to comply with international standards by lifting the internet restrictions.
In response, the UCC denied the implementation of a nationwide internet shutdown, calling the allegations false, unfounded, and misleading. It explained that the government knew of the importance of the right to access information and digital inclusion during the election period, but feared the spread of false information online. The UCC urged internet users to verify information before sharing it, warning of attempts to spread misinformation and disturb the public order. The commission further prompt media actors to report responsibly without inciting violence or undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
Uganda is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on January 15. However, the lead up has seen widespread unrest attributed to restrictions on freedom of assembly and civil space as well as clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. Earlier this month, Amnesty International condemned the unlawful use of force by security forces against opposition rallies.
On January 10, HRW expressed concern about the arrest of a prominent government critic ahead of the elections. Rights organizations have also criticized the January 2026 elections for lacking credibility, describing them as mechanisms to “reinforce incumbent power rather than promote accountability.”
Additionally, Amnesty International condemned the Ugandan authorities’ decision to shut down mobile phone and internet services, describing this action as a human rights violation.
The post Rights group urges Uganda to lift internet restrictions amid ongoing elections appeared first on JURIST - News.
Continue reading...
Note: We don't have any responsibilities about this news. Its been posted here by Feed Reader and we had no controls and checking on it. And because News posted here will be deleted automatically after 21 days, threads are closed so that no one spend time to post and discuss here. You can always check the source and discuss in their site.