Uganda Cuts Internet, Proton Signups Jump 8,000%

Uganda cuts internet access nationwide just days before its January 15 election, despite earlier assurances from officials that no blackout would occur. Authorities suspended public connectivity to curb what they described as “misinformation” and “electoral fraud.” The move came after Uganda’s communications regulator ordered restrictions on roaming calls and new SIM cards, fueling concerns among citizens.

Ahead of the shutdown, Proton VPN reported two traffic surges from Ugandan users exceeding 250%. When the blackout hit, signups soared by over 8,000% within an hour as residents rushed to restore online access. Monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed a national disruption consistent with the government’s order.

Data suggests the shutdown rolled out in phases, showing an initial drop followed by a slower decline. The event reflects a growing global trend, where election periods now frequently trigger internet throttling or complete blackouts.

As Uganda cuts internet access again, it highlights why digital resilience is becoming essential.

https://protonvpn.com/blog/uganda-internet-shutdown-elections