Ahead of the Presidential election in Ugandan on Thursday, the government has ordered internet service providers to shut down social media and messaging services.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director, Irene Sewankambo, in a letter ordered telecommunication companies to “immediately suspend any access and use” of social media and online messaging platforms.
The action was believed to be a retaliation for Facebook deleting pro-government accounts “trying to manipulate” public debate before the polls.
Banned platforms include Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Signal and Viber.
The leading opposition candidate, Bobi Wine today said his home was raided.
“Last night, the military yet again arrested so many friends and comrades; two days to the election! Others are living as fugitives!”, tweeted the popular singer, real name Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
The vote will come after one of the bloodiest campaigns in years, as veteran leader Yoweri Museveni seeks a sixth term against popstar-turned-MP Bobi Wine, who has managed to fire up a youthful population that has mostly known only one president.
Wine, who has spent most of the campaign in a bulletproof vest and combat helmet facing teargas, bullets and numerous arrests, on Tuesday urged his supporters to “protect” the election from rigging.
Museveni, 76, has been in power since 1986.