In January 2026, Iran imposed a nationwide internet shutdown that left tens of millions with severely restricted access for close to three weeks, amid protests and a security crackdown. Weeks earlier, Uganda again cut access around elections, throttling platforms and blocking social media. At the same time, new leaks and investigations trace how commercial filtering and surveillance tools from Western and Chinese firms make these shutdowns sharper and harder to evade.
Uganda’s 2026 elections are unfolding under a deliberate information blackout. A nationwide internet shutdown, assaults on journalists, and orders for rights groups to halt work have gutted independent scrutiny of the vote. The combined pressure on media, NGOs and cultural actors exposes a deepening digital authoritarianism that directly threatens civic and artistic freedoms in Uganda.
Uganda Law Society has launched an Election Watch and Rapid Response Mechanism ahead of the 2026 polls, deploying over 600 lawyers to monitor violations, document incidents in real time, and offer free legal aid to victims. The initiative targets arbitrary arrests, violence and electoral malpractice, seeking to turn Uganda’s legal community into an active shield for civic space and democratic participation.
As Uganda heads toward the 2026 elections, opposition‑aligned musicians are being drawn into an intensifying crackdown marked by arbitrary arrests, house‑arrest‑style sieges and shootings at rallies. From repeated cordons around Bobi Wine’s home to the arrest of Nubian Li and the shooting of Omukunja Atasera, the state is treating music as a security threat rather than a space for artistic expression
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As Uganda prepares for the 2026 presidential election, opposition leader Bobi Wine faces off once again against long-serving President Yoweri Museveni in a battle that could redefine the nation’s future. With a campaign rooted in youth empowerment, democracy, and justice, Bobi Wine’s movement fuses music, activism, and political defiance—pitting generational change against entrenched power in one of Africa’s longest-running regimes.
Uganda’s artists face growing censorship under President Museveni’s rule. From banned music and plays to arrested comedians and TikTokers, creative expression is under siege. Laws targeting LGBTQ+ content and political satire have silenced many, yet artists continue to resist through coded messages, digital activism, and global collaboration—proving that creativity remains a powerful force against oppression.
Bayimba is calling on artists to submit applications to perform at the 16th edition of the Bayimba International Festival of the Arts on Lunkulu Island, Uganda, from 11th to 15th September 2024.
The Bayimba Festival presents a multidisciplinary programme of artists from around the world in music, dance, film, fashion, photography, storytelling, theatre and visual arts.
The line-up of confirmed artists will be announced on the 20th of August.
Preference is given to:
Artists with unique artistic identity and ready production.
Women artists or groups led by women.
Young, new and budding talents.
Production content or exhibitions that are to be presented live.
For more information see here!
Bobi Wine i FB melding 6. januar: "- After imprisoning our entire campaign team, today they blocked the new medical and security teams and also impounded the media cars. They said I must go to the campaign alone. They thought that would affect the support we have from the people. This is us going through Iganga on our way to Namisindwa. This is a revolution. #WeAreRemovingADictator
Opptakten til presidentvalget i Uganda minner mest om et folkeopprør. Valgdagen 14. januar utfordrer Ghetto-musikeren Bobi Wine landets regime. Bak seg har Wine stjernestatus og millioner av landsmenn. En etter en tar seg nå over den høye muren av frykt som president Museveni har bygget gjennom 35 år ved makten. Valget trenger internasjonal oppmerksomhet.
