The Ugandan opposition leader urged the use of decentralized messaging before the election
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Ugandan opposition leader Bobby Wine has urged supporters to use a decentralized messaging app ahead of the country's next presidential election, warning that authorities may restrict access to the internet and social media during the vote.
Key Takeaways:
Ugandan opposition They have warned of internet shutdowns ahead of the 2026 elections.
The past has disproportionately cut off the protest movement.
Proposed restrictions on Starlink have raised new digital access concerns.
In a post on X this week, Wine encouraged Ugandans to download BitChat, the peer-to-peer messaging service started by Jack Dorsey, arguing that the tool would help citizens stay in touch if communication lines were shut down.
Uganda's presidential election is scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Uganda's past internet blackouts hit protesters hard, rights group says
Wine points to past choices as evidence of what's to come. In the year During the 2016 elections and again in 2021, the government imposed nationwide internet and social media bans, citing security concerns.
According to the Pan-African Network of Human Rights Defenders, those measures have had a disproportionate impact on the opposition, which relies on digital platforms to coordinate campaigns, monitor votes and mobilize protests.
“They destroy the Internet to shut down communication and prevent citizens from organizing, verifying their election results, and demanding accountability,” Wine wrote, adding that such tactics are used to hide election irregularities.
The government falsely denied the allegation that restrictions were imposed to protect public security.
Uganda has been led by President Yoweri Museveni since 1986. Vines, who leads the National Unity Party, ran against Museveni in the 2021 election and lost.
The election was later dismissed as rigged by the president and election officials.
Concerns over digital access have resurfaced in recent weeks, following authorities' plans to import Starlink satellite internet equipment.
Reuters cited a government memo outlining the move, which would limit alternative high-speed internet access in rural and underserved areas. Officials have not publicly detailed the scope of the restrictions.
BitChat uses Bluetooth mesh to enable encrypted messaging that is independent of the Internet
BitChat, which entered beta testing in July, works without traditional internet infrastructure.
The app uses Bluetooth-based networks to transfer encrypted messages between nearby devices, allowing connectivity even when cellular data or broadband services are unavailable.
According to the technical document, the system has no central servers and does not require phone numbers, email addresses or user accounts.
Vine said the technology allows information to be spread quickly among large groups, helping supporters share updates and coordinate activities during the election.
Demand for the app seems to be increasing. Google Trends data shows that searches for “Bitchat” in Uganda jumped significantly this week, with related queries such as “How to use Bitchat” being highlighted as a prominent topic.
Download data shows an increase in activity in recent days.
Similar increases in BitChat adoption have been recorded in previously troubled countries like Madagascar, Nepal and Indonesia.
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