Uganda Shuts Down Internet and Halts Rights Groups Ahead of Contentious Election

Pre-Election Crackdown in Uganda

• internet access and selected phone services were ordered to be shut down by the country's communications regulator starting Tuesday evening.
• 🗳️ Two local rights groups, Chapter 4 Uganda and Human Rights Network for Journalists Uganda, were ordered to halt their work days before the election.

Allegations Against Rights Groups

• ⚖️ The National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations stated that Chapter 4 Uganda was involved in activities prejudicial to Uganda's security.
• 📰 These watchdog groups have previously criticized rights violations, including the alleged arbitrary detention and torture of opposition supporters and journalists.

Election Atmosphere and Opposition Concerns

• ✊ The United Nations Human Rights Office described the election taking place in an atmosphere of repression and intimidation.
• 🚨 Authorities have reportedly detained hundreds of opposition supporters, and the police and military are said to have used live ammunition to disperse peaceful rallies.

President Museveni's Long Rule

• 👴 President Yoweri Museveni, 81, is seeking a seventh term after four decades in power.
• 📜 He has previously amended the constitution twice to remove age and term limits, and analysts suggest his dominance of Ugandan institutions leaves little chance of an election upset.