In brief
In the wake of an internet shutdown ordered by Ugandan authorities to ensure electoral peace, businesses reliant on mobile transactions, including mobile money agents and ride-hailing services, were severely impacted. The shutdown disrupted communication and caused significant financial losses, raising concerns about the broader implications for democracy and economic stability in the region.
The recent internet shutdown in Uganda has left a profound impact on various sectors within the country, particularly during a sensitive general election period. Mobile money agent Mirembe Tracy expressed her frustration as her business came to a standstill due to the disconnection of services. All withdrawals were disconnected, she explained, highlighting her reliance on withdrawal commissions for income. Without it, her earnings plummeted.
For two days surrounding the election, Tracy and countless others had no means to conduct business as they were left to sell prepaid airtime credit, which offers no commission. The shutdown was ordered by Uganda's communications authority to ensure national stability and prevent misuse of communication during the elections.
Critics, however, argue that it was a tactic to obscure electoral fraud allegations and prevent opposition parties from disseminating results. This blackout not only hindered economic activities but also instilled widespread discontent and confusion among citizens and expatriates alike.
Many entrepreneurs, such as Namukwaya Olivia who relies on social media for her traditional clothing business, found their operations halted. Without access to platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, she was unable to receive orders or provide customer service.
Even students faced hurdles; online learning was disrupted, and communication was limited. Aaron Benitez, a school pupil, noted that he couldn't contact his family during this critical time, adding to the stress of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, journalists experienced significant challenges, with Ngabo Amon illustrating how his smartphone became useless without the internet. The blackout not only affected reporting on the reactions to the election outcome but also delayed the transmission of vital footage from the field.
As Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni extended his rule to 40 years amid accusations of fraud, many citizens expressed concern over the implications of such a blackout on their freedoms and livelihoods. The African Union's report emphasized that the internet shutdown curtailed economic activities and limited access to information.
As services gradually resumed, many reflected on how embedded digital access is in their daily lives, indicating that the consequences of such government actions extend beyond temporary inconveniences, signaling deeper issues within the context of democracy and freedom in Uganda.
