According to sources familiar with the matter, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered pay-TV provider MultiChoice to suspend KTN from the DStv platform, citing what it described as “national security concerns.”
The decision effectively cut off Ugandan viewers from accessing KTN’s election coverage at a critical moment.
In addition to the broadcast suspension, the Ugandan government reportedly blocked copies of The Standard newspaper from entering the country. KTN and The Standard are both owned by the Standard Group, one of Kenya’s largest media houses.
MultiChoice confirmed that it received formal instructions from UCC and said it would comply with the directive until the suspension is officially lifted by Ugandan authorities.
KTN had been actively covering opposition leaders, civil society voices, and reports of unrest in the lead-up to Uganda’s 10th general election.
The election pits long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, 81, against opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who is 43 and campaigning on a platform of generational change.
The media blackout came alongside a wider nationwide internet shutdown. UCC ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access starting at 6:00 pm on January 13, 2026, as voting preparations intensified across the country.
The directive affected internet services, SIM card sales and registration, and outbound data roaming. However, exemptions were granted to essential services, including hospitals, banks, and government institutions.
Opposition figures and election observers have described the situation on the ground as chaotic and heavily militarised.
The media blackout came alongside a wider nationwide internet shutdown. UCC ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access starting at 6:00 pm on January 13, 2026, as voting preparations intensified across the country.
The directive affected internet services, SIM card sales and registration, and outbound data roaming. However, exemptions were granted to essential services, including hospitals, banks, and government institutions.
Opposition figures and election observers have described the situation on the ground as chaotic and heavily militarised.
Bobi Wine’s running mate, Dr. Lina Zedriga, raised concerns about the voting process, particularly the use of biometric systems.
“The rigging is ongoing with this biometric system of voting. Even the voters and election officials have not been properly trained,” she said.
Media freedom groups also reported that more than 10 journalists were assaulted while covering election-related events.
“The rigging is ongoing with this biometric system of voting. Even the voters and election officials have not been properly trained,” she said.
Media freedom groups also reported that more than 10 journalists were assaulted while covering election-related events.
Some media houses allegedly received threats of closure, further raising concerns about press freedom during the election period.
Kenyan activist Bob Njugi warned that Uganda’s election environment does not meet international democratic standards. Speaking on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, he said the heavy deployment of security forces could discourage voter participation.
“The over-militarisation of these elections is already creating fear among the population. Our concern is that voter turnout will be very low,” he noted.
Human rights and media freedom advocates argue that the internet blackout and media restrictions are part of a broader strategy to control information flow and silence dissenting voices during the election.
Despite the suspension, KTN said it remains committed to independent journalism and will continue reporting on developments in Uganda and across the East African region through other available platforms.
Uganda’s elections have previously attracted international criticism over restrictions on opposition activity, media suppression, and allegations of human rights abuses. As vote counting continues, observers both within and outside the country are closely watching how the situation unfolds.
Kenyan activist Bob Njugi warned that Uganda’s election environment does not meet international democratic standards. Speaking on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, he said the heavy deployment of security forces could discourage voter participation.
“The over-militarisation of these elections is already creating fear among the population. Our concern is that voter turnout will be very low,” he noted.
Human rights and media freedom advocates argue that the internet blackout and media restrictions are part of a broader strategy to control information flow and silence dissenting voices during the election.
Despite the suspension, KTN said it remains committed to independent journalism and will continue reporting on developments in Uganda and across the East African region through other available platforms.
Uganda’s elections have previously attracted international criticism over restrictions on opposition activity, media suppression, and allegations of human rights abuses. As vote counting continues, observers both within and outside the country are closely watching how the situation unfolds.
Hello, my name is Yoruba. I'm a 25 year old self-employed blogger from the Africa.
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