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A senior Ugandan official on Wednesday defended the internet blackout imposed ahead of elections, saying it was necessary to prevent riots and misinformation.
The East African country goes to the polls on Thursday in a vote widely expected to secure President Yoweri Museveni a seventh term, given his total control over state and security bodies.
The authorities shut off access to the internet on Tuesday, despite repeated promises not to do so, adding to fears of renewed repression and manipulation on election day.
Presidential advisor Hajat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye defended the move, saying: “The internet creates wars, riots, and misinformation.
“They had to shut down the internet because of the misinformation from different stakeholders,” she told AFP.
“We are not ready for him to leave,” she added.
She rejected allegations from opposition leader Bobi Wine, analysts and rights groups that he is a military dictator who has violently repressed the opposition during his four-decade rule.
