Uganda's Opposition Leader Advocates for Decentralized Messaging Before Election

In an important move ahead of Uganda’s upcoming presidential election, opposition leader Bobi Wine has called on his supporters to utilize a decentralized messaging application. This appeal comes with a warning that the government may restrict internet and social media access during the election period.

Key Takeaways:

Concerns over potential internet shutdowns in Uganda leading up to the 2026 election.
Historical internet blackouts have severely impacted opposition activities.
Emerging worries regarding government restrictions on Starlink satellite internet.

In a recent message on X, Wine encouraged Ugandans to download Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging service developed by Jack Dorsey. He believes that this tool could enable citizens to maintain communication if other channels are blocked.

The presidential election in Uganda is set to take place on January 15, 2026.

Uganda’s Opposition Leader Urges Use Of Decentralized Messaging Ahead Of Election

Historical Impacts of Internet Blackouts on Opposition

Wine referenced previous elections to illustrate the challenges ahead. During the elections in 2016 and 2021, the Ugandan government imposed national internet and social media blackouts under the justification of security concerns.

The Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network reports that these measures particularly hindered opposition groups that depend on digital platforms for campaign coordination, voting oversight, and mobilization of protests.

“The government switches off the internet to stifle communication, preventing citizens from organizing, confirming election results, and demanding accountability,” Wine asserted. He contended that these strategies are aimed at obscuring electoral fraud.

The government has consistently denied these allegations, claiming that limitations are necessary for maintaining public order.

President Yoweri Museveni has been in power since 1986. Bobi Wine, as the leader of the National Unity Platform, opposed Museveni during the 2021 election but lost. He subsequently alleged that the election was fraudulent, which has been disputed by both the president and electoral officials.

Recent weeks have seen a resurgence in concerns regarding digital access, especially after reports indicated that the government intends to limit the import of Starlink satellite internet technology. A government memo reported by Reuters outlined restrictions that would curb access to high-speed internet options in rural and underserved areas, but officials have not clarified the full extent of these limitations.

Bitchat: A New Solution for Secure Communication

Bitchat, which began its beta testing phase in July, operates independently of traditional internet structures.

The app employs Bluetooth-based mesh networks to send encrypted messages between devices in close proximity, thereby enabling communication even when mobile data or broadband services aren't available.

According to its technical documentation, Bitchat does not rely on central servers and does not require users to have phone numbers, email addresses, or accounts.

Wine has expressed that this innovative technology could facilitate rapid information dissemination among large groups, assisting supporters in sharing updates and organizing activities during the electoral period.

Interest in Bitchat appears to be gaining momentum, with Google Trends indicating a significant spike in searches for “Bitchat” in Uganda this past week. Related queries, including “how to use Bitchat,” are also emerging as popular topics. Download statistics have shown an increase in activity recently.

Similar surges in the adoption of Bitchat have been noted during times of unrest in countries such as Madagascar, Nepal, and Indonesia.