Two Ugandan lawyers have asked the High Court to rule on the legality of the internet shutdown imposed during the recent elections, arguing that the move caused widespread disruption and violated citizens’ rights.
Michael Aboneka and Raymond Amumpaire have sued the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) alongside telecom operators MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda and Lyca Mobile. They contend that the decision to block internet access around polling days went far beyond election security and severely affected everyday life.
In their petition, the lawyers say the blackout cut off millions of Ugandans from communication, paralysed online businesses, interfered with mobile money transactions and made it difficult for journalists to report during a crucial national exercise.
They argue that the shutdown was implemented without transparency or proper legal grounding, noting that no clear legal instrument or public explanation was issued to justify the action. According to the applicants, this left citizens in the dark about why such a far-reaching decision had been taken.
The lawyers also fault UCC for failing to act as an independent regulator, accusing it of allowing or directing the shutdown without safeguarding consumer rights or ensuring the directive complied with the law.
Telecom companies named in the suit are accused of enforcing the internet block despite doubts about its legality. The applicants argue that service providers have a duty to protect customers’ rights, even when acting on government instructions.
Through the case, Aboneka and Amumpaire want court to declare the election-period internet shutdown unlawful and to bar authorities from imposing similar restrictions in the future without following clear legal procedures. They are also seeking legal costs.
Internet disruptions have increasingly accompanied elections in Uganda, often involving limits on social media access. Legal observers say this case could be significant, as it challenges authorities to clearly define when and how internet access can be restricted.
The matter has been filed in the High Court and is awaiting further guidance from the court.
