Bitchat Tops App Charts as Uganda Cuts Internet Ahead of Election

[johnblockbuster]

Uganda has once again shut down nationwide internet access ahead of a presidential election, pushing offline messaging app Bitchat to the top of app download charts. State officials confirmed the blackout began Tuesday evening and will remain in effect through Thursday’s vote.

Authorities say the shutdown is meant to curb online misinformation, but critics argue it restricts access to election-related information and undermines transparency. With traditional connectivity gone, Ugandans have rapidly turned to Bluetooth-based and VPN-enabled tools to stay informed.

[lingriiddd]

internet shutdowns before elections always sound like “trust us” energy