The telecom regulator ordered a suspension of public internet, new SIM sales, and data roaming starting January 13 evening, citing security needs to curb misinformation ahead of January 15 elections where President Yoweri Museveni seeks a seventh term. Opposition leader Bobi Wine called it a cover for rigging and urged VPN use to document abuses, while NetBlocks confirmed connectivity plunged to 20% of normal. This marks the third straight election with such restrictions, disrupting businesses, health services, and cargo, as heavy security surrounds voting stations in Kampala.