Uganda Opposition Pushes Decentralized Messaging as Election Nears

Uganda’s leading opposition figure Bobi Wine has urged supporters to download a decentralized messaging application ahead of the country’s January 2026 presidential election, citing fears of an imminent internet shutdown similar to those imposed during past votes. In a post shared Tuesday on X, Wine warned that authorities could again restrict connectivity to disrupt coordination, limit information sharing, and prevent independent verification of election results. Uganda cut access to social media and messaging platforms during the 2021 election, a move that drew criticism from civil society groups and international observers. Wine’s message reflects growing concern among opposition groups that digital controls will play a central role in the upcoming vote, as political tensions rise and campaign activity intensifies across the country. Internet shutdown fears revive offline messaging strategy The app highlighted by Wine, called Bitcha t, is designed to operate without internet access or centralized servers. Instead, it relies on Bluetooth-based mesh networking, allowing nearby devices to relay messages between users. According to Wine, this setup could allow rapid communication even if mobile data and broadband services are disabled. Wine said users could share photos of polling station declaration of results forms, commonly known as DR forms, as well as other election-related material. He stressed that the app does not require phone numbers or email addresses, a feature intended to reduce traceability and protect user identity during periods of heightened surveillance. The call to adopt offline tools comes as Uganda prepares for a closely watched election. President Yoweri Museveni has ruled the country for nearly four decades, while Wine has emerged as the most prominent opposition challenger since entering politics from music and activism. Decentralization echoes broader crypto era themes While Bitchat is not a cryptocurrency product, Wine’s appeal taps into a wider global shift toward decentralized technologies. In recent years, activists worldwide have increasingly explored peer-to-peer tools inspired by blockchain-era principles such as censorship resistance and reduced reliance on central intermediaries. Uganda has seen growing interest in crypto assets and decentralized finance, particularly among younger users seeking alternatives to traditional systems. Analysts note that election-period messaging tools now borrow concepts from the same decentralization playbook, even when they are not blockchain-based. By urging early downloads, Wine framed preparation as critical before any potential shutdown occurs. His message underscored a broader reality facing elections in restrictive digital environments: as governments tighten control over networks, political movements continue to adapt by turning to decentralized communication channels.