Ugandan authorities on Tuesday restricted internet access and curtailed mobile services nationwide, just 48 hours before a highly charged general election in which President Yoweri Museveni is seeking a controversial seventh term in office after nearly four decades in power.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directed mobile network operators to suspend public internet services from 6:00 p.m. local time, citing the need to prevent the spread of false information, election-related manipulation and other associated security risks. The directive was contained in an official notice addressed to licensed mobile operators and internet service providers.

In the lead-up to the vote, security agencies have arrested hundreds of opposition supporters, while campaign rallies backing Museveni’s main rival, musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, have been repeatedly disrupted with live ammunition and tear gas.

Acknowledging the potential disruption, the UCC said it was aware of the operational difficulties the shutdown could cause but stressed the importance of compliance. The commission appealed to service providers to cooperate fully in the interest of maintaining national stability during what it described as a sensitive political period.

The internet restrictions add to growing concerns among rights groups and opposition figures over the conduct of the election and the shrinking space for political dissent in the country.

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