Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has publicly accused satellite internet provider Starlink, owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, of disabling internet access for users in Uganda just days before the country’s crucial January 15 general election.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Bobi Wine alleged that the disruption of Starlink services comes at a critical moment when Ugandans are seeking to organize, communicate, and peacefully challenge what he described as President ’s four-decade rule. Museveni has governed Uganda since 1986.
“Hey @elonmusk, as you cheer the fall of a dictator in Venezuela, here in Uganda your @Starlink has disabled citizens’ access to its internet just days to the January 15th election in which we seek to peacefully end Museveni’s 40-year-old dictatorship,” Bobi Wine wrote.
The opposition leader argued that access to the internet is central to democratic participation, particularly in an environment where traditional media and public assembly are heavily restricted. He accused the Ugandan government of systematically suppressing dissent through violence, intimidation, and the silencing of critical voices.
“Like other dictators, Museveni has suffocated free expression, engaged in mass killings, brutally persecuted the opposition, and suppressed citizens’ rights—among other atrocities,” Bobi Wine added. “Please reactivate Starlink internet access in Uganda so that citizens can be able to communicate and stand a fair chance at shaping their destiny. Democracy dies in darkness.”
Internet Access and Electoral Integrity
The allegation has reignited debate about the role of digital connectivity in modern elections, particularly in countries with long-standing authoritarian leadership. In Uganda, internet shutdowns and restrictions have become a recurring feature during elections and periods of political tension. During previous polls, authorities imposed nationwide social media bans and broadband slowdowns, citing national security concerns.
Civil society groups and international observers have consistently criticized such measures, warning that they undermine transparency, limit election monitoring, and violate fundamental rights to information and free expression.
Starlink, which provides satellite-based broadband services, has been seen by many activists as a potential workaround to state-controlled internet infrastructure. Its reported disruption in Uganda, therefore, has raised concerns among opposition supporters who view the platform as a lifeline for uncensored communication.
As of the time of filing this report, Starlink has not issued an official public statement confirming or denying the alleged shutdown in Uganda. Similarly, there has been no direct response from Elon Musk to Bobi Wine’s appeal.
Uganda’s Political Climate
Uganda heads into the January 15 election amid heightened political tension. Bobi Wine, a former musician turned politician, has emerged as Museveni’s most prominent challenger, particularly among the youth. His National Unity Platform (NUP) has mobilized large segments of the population, calling for democratic reforms, accountability, and an end to what it describes as entrenched authoritarian rule.
However, the opposition has repeatedly accused security forces of harassing supporters, arresting campaign officials, and using excessive force to break up rallies. Human rights organizations have documented incidents of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings linked to political activity.
The Ugandan government, for its part, denies these allegations and insists that security measures are necessary to maintain law and order. Officials have also defended past internet restrictions as lawful and temporary interventions aimed at preventing misinformation and unrest.
International Attention and Digital Rights
Bobi Wine’s message has drawn international attention, particularly because it directly calls out one of the world’s most influential tech entrepreneurs. By linking developments in Uganda to Musk’s public commentary on political change elsewhere, the opposition leader sought to highlight what he sees as a contradiction in global responses to authoritarianism.
Digital rights advocates argue that technology companies operating in politically sensitive environments must be transparent about service disruptions and resist pressure that could aid repression. They warn that even unintentional service outages can have profound consequences during elections, especially in countries where online platforms are among the few remaining spaces for civic engagement.
“Democracy dies in darkness,” Bobi Wine wrote, echoing a phrase often used by press freedom advocates to underscore the importance of open information flows.
Calls for Accountability
Opposition figures and activists are now urging Starlink to clarify its operational status in Uganda and to publicly commit to safeguarding access for civilians during the electoral period. Some have also called on international partners and election observers to closely monitor the situation and press for respect for digital freedoms.
With election day approaching, the spotlight remains firmly on Uganda’s political process and the broader question of how technology intersects with democracy in Africa. Whether Starlink responds to the accusations or restores full service could become a defining issue in the final days of the campaign.
Africalivenews will continue to follow developments surrounding the alleged internet disruption, reactions from Starlink and Elon Musk, and the broader implications for Uganda’s January 15 election.
Follow Africalivenews on social media for updates:
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@africalivenews
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africalivenews
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/africalivenews2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Africalivenews
