Surge in Bitchat Downloads in Uganda Amid Government Internet Shutdown Ahead of Elections

As Uganda braces for an internet blackout just before Thursday's presidential election, downloads of the decentralized messaging application Bitchat have surged dramatically. This surge reflects citizens' efforts to maintain communication amid government restrictions aimed at curbing misinformation and potential electoral fraud.

Key Takeaways

The Ugandan government has imposed an internet blackout ahead of the presidential elections, leading to a spike in Bitchat downloads.
Bitchat is a decentralized app that allows users to send messages without relying on traditional internet infrastructure.
The blackout is reminiscent of the previous 2021 elections, which were marred by allegations of electoral fraud and repression of opposition.
Security forces have intensified their crackdown on opposition supporters in the lead-up to the elections.
Bitchat provides a critical communication tool amid these restrictions, showing the growing importance of decentralized applications in such contexts.

Bitchat Downloads Spike in Uganda as Government Prepares Internet Shutdown for Election

Introduction

In response to an impending presidential election, Uganda's government implemented a nationwide internet blackout on Tuesday. This action has resulted in a notable increase in downloads of Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app that can function offline.

The Uganda Communications Commission mandated a suspension of public internet services starting at 6 p.m. local time, citing the need to prevent misinformation and electoral fraud. This comes as President Yoweri Museveni, aged 81, seeks a seventh term while facing opposition from Bobi Wine.

The developers of Bitchat, Calle, reported that the app had become the most downloaded application in Uganda as citizens prepared for the anticipated internet shutdown.

Understanding Bitchat

Bitchat is a peer-to-peer messaging application that utilizes Bluetooth technology to send encrypted messages between nearby devices. This system allows users to create mesh networks that do not depend on conventional internet services, making it ideal during times of connectivity disruptions.

Context of the Internet Shutdown

The directive for the internet blackout, as reported by Vanguard, was justified by the Uganda Communications Commission as a measure against "online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and associated risks" that threaten national security during the election.

This suspension affects all forms of internet access, including mobile broadband and satellite services, with violators facing fines and potential license revocation. Shortly after the shutdown began, NetBlocks confirmed widespread disruptions to connectivity across the nation.

While voice calls and basic SMS services continued to function, critical government services were given exemptions via secure channels available only to authorized personnel.

Previous Patterns of Repression

The Ugandan government previously enacted similar internet blackouts during the 2021 elections, which witnessed serious allegations of rigging and violence against opposition supporters.

According to the UN Human Rights Office, law enforcement has targeted peaceful protests leading up to this election season, with instances of live ammunition use and arbitrary arrests reported. Hundreds of opposition supporters have been detained, and security forces have repeatedly clashed with Bobi Wine’s supporters during campaign events.

In a recent development, two local human rights organizations were compelled to cease operations, accused by the state-run National Bureau for NGOs of engaging in activities "prejudicial" to national security. These organizations had reported abuses against opposition supporters and journalists covering the electoral campaign.

Bitchat as a Communication Alternative

Bitchat began its beta testing phase in July and distinguishes itself by not requiring user accounts, phone numbers, or centralized infrastructure. The app sends messages in small fragments between devices within a 30-meter radius, using up to seven relay points for resilience during blackouts.

The app has a store-and-forward capability, allowing messages to be held for up to 12 hours for users who are offline, ensuring that communication persists even when direct connections are unavailable.

During his last campaign rally, Bobi Wine urged his supporters to download Bitchat, despite heavy police presence intended to deter attendance.

Uganda Bitchat Downloads - Bobi Wine image

Security forces even resorted to chasing and assaulting individuals waving the national flag, which has become a symbol of Bobi Wine's campaign.

Yet, in response to concerns about its potential use, Ugandan Communications Commission executive director Nyombi Thembo indicated that regulating authorities could disable Bitchat if deemed necessary, stating, "Don’t be excited by Bitchat, it’s a small thing."

However, Calle dismissed this claim, citing that over 400,000 users in Uganda have downloaded the app, insisting, "You can’t stop Bitchat. You can’t stop us."

Conclusion

The events occurring in Uganda reflect broader themes of governance, communication, and citizen resilience against authoritarian measures. President Museveni, who has held power since 1986, has faced increasing scrutiny as his administration adjusts laws to extend his rule. His campaign slogan “Protecting the Gains” contrasts significantly with Bobi Wine's appeal for generational change, resonating with a significant youth demographic.

The response to Bitchat’s surge underscores the significant role decentralized applications are playing in contemporary conflicts in various countries, reinforcing the need for accessible communication solutions that can withstand governmental control and censorship.