Ugandan elections may cut off internet! Opposition urgently promotes Bitchat Bluetooth breakthrough censorship

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine warns that authorities may shut down the internet again during the January 15, 2026, elections, urging supporters to download the decentralized app Bitchat. The app, launched by Jack Dorsey, uses Bluetooth Mesh technology to enable encrypted messaging without internet access. Google data shows a surge in searches for “Bitchat.” Meanwhile, the government plans to restrict the import of Starlink devices.

Pre-2021 Cybercrime Reveals Political Strategies of Internet Censorship

Uganda has implemented internet shutdowns during the past two presidential elections. During the 2016 and 2021 elections, the government cited security concerns to impose nationwide bans on internet and social media platforms. Wine notes that past elections serve as evidence of what could happen in the future. These measures disproportionately affected opposition groups that rely on digital platforms to coordinate protests, monitor voting, and mobilize supporters.

The Pan-African Human Rights Defender Network states that the true purpose of internet shutdowns is to weaken opposition organization. “They shut down the internet to prevent communication, to ensure citizens cannot organize, verify election results, or demand accountability,” Wine wrote on X, claiming this strategy is used to cover up electoral misconduct. The government has denied allegations of election manipulation, asserting that restrictions are for public order.

Since 1986, Uganda has been led by President Yoweri Museveni. Wine, who leads the National Unity Platform, ran against Museveni in the 2021 election but was ultimately defeated. He later claimed election fraud, but these allegations were denied by the president and electoral authorities. This cycle of long-term rule and opposition skepticism has made the January 15, 2026, presidential election highly scrutinized internationally.

The impact of internet shutdowns goes far beyond the surface. When internet and social media are cut off, opposition groups cannot share election observer reports in real-time, coordinate polling station oversight, expose potential fraud, or mobilize supporters to vote. In contrast, the ruling party can use state media and traditional communication channels to maintain operations. This asymmetry makes internet shutdowns a covert form of political repression.

Bitchat Bluetooth Mesh Technology Breaks Censorship

Bitchat entered beta testing in July, operating without traditional network infrastructure. The app uses a Bluetooth-based mesh network to relay encrypted messages between nearby devices, enabling communication even when mobile data or broadband services are unavailable. According to its technical documentation, the system has no central server and does not require phone numbers, email addresses, or user accounts.

This architecture makes Bitchat nearly impossible to block through traditional means. Conventional messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal depend on internet connections and central servers, which governments can block by cutting off internet access or blocking specific IP addresses. Bitchat bypasses these infrastructures entirely; as long as two phones are within Bluetooth range (about 10-100 meters), they can exchange messages.

Key Differences Between Bitchat and Traditional Communication Tools

Connection Method: Bluetooth Mesh network vs. Internet connection, immune to shutdowns

Server Architecture: Fully decentralized, no servers vs. Centralized servers, single points of failure

Authentication: No registration needed vs. Requires phone or email, protecting user privacy and anonymity

The mesh network operates by each Bitchat-enabled phone becoming a node that can receive and forward messages. If A wants to send a message to C, but they are out of Bluetooth range, the message can be relayed via B to other nodes until it reaches C. As long as there are enough nodes, messages can travel longer distances. This “people-to-people” message passing works best during mass gatherings or in densely populated areas.

Wine states that this technology allows information to spread rapidly within large groups, helping supporters share updates and coordinate activities during elections. Interest in the app appears to be rising. Google Trends data shows a significant increase in searches for “Bitchat” in Uganda this week, with related queries like “how to use Bitchat” also trending. Download data indicates activity has increased in recent days.

During periods of unrest in Madagascar, Nepal, and Indonesia, Bitchat’s user numbers also surged similarly. This suggests decentralized communication tools are becoming new instruments for citizen organization under authoritarian regimes.

Starlink Restrictions Spark New Digital Rights Controversy

Recent reports about authorities planning to restrict the import of Starlink satellite internet devices have reignited concerns over digital access. Reuters cites a government memo stating that this move will limit rural and underserved areas’ access to another high-speed internet option. Officials have not yet publicly detailed the scope of these restrictions.

Starlink, launched by SpaceX, provides high-speed internet via low Earth orbit satellites, especially useful in regions with weak traditional infrastructure. In many African countries, Starlink is seen as a key tool to bridge the digital divide. However, for governments that rely on internet control to maintain power, Starlink also represents an unregulated communication channel.

Restricting Starlink device imports means that even if the government does not actively shut down the internet during elections, citizens with alternative connectivity options will have fewer ways to access information. This preemptive move indicates authorities are preparing for potential internet shutdowns. Coupled with the promotion of Bitchat and restrictions on Starlink, Uganda’s January 2026 election is becoming a contest between digital rights and government control.