Uganda Bans Voters App Ahead of Elections

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has banned a widely used civic tech platform, Fanon, an unauthorized tool for voter location and polling directions just days ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.

The decision, announced in a public notice dated January 7, has sparked heated debate over election transparency, data privacy, and voter empowerment.

According to the UCC, the ban followed a formal request from the Electoral Commission (EC). The commission said it acted under its statutory powers in the Uganda Communications Act, directing licensed telecom operators and internet service providers to restrict access to the platform within Uganda. The UCC emphasised that all applications providing voter services must be duly authorized and comply with the law to safeguard public information systems and prevent the dissemination of misleading content.

Fanon, also referred to in some reports as Fannon, was launched in July 2025 by a group of Ugandan Gen Z developers. The platform quickly became popular for its ability to help users locate polling stations, verify voter details, view demographic data by age and gender, and get GPS directions in multiple local languages. Many voters reportedly found it more reliable and user-friendly than the official EC website, which has frequently suffered outages and access issues.

The EC disowned Fanon, warning that the platform was unauthorized and potentially in violation of laws governing the National Voters’ Register and the Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019. The commission expressed concerns that the platform could spread misinformation or facilitate voter intimidation.

Following this, the UCC assessed the platform and issued the block. Security operatives also reportedly arrested one of Fanon’s founders, Salim Were, for questioning about the source of its voter data, which Were said was gathered from publicly displayed registers during official EC verification exercises.

The move has drawn criticism from opposition figures and civic tech advocates, who argue that Fanon helped expose irregularities and enhanced voter access. They accuse authorities of suppressing innovation and transparency while official EC tools remain inadequate.

The UCC, however, reassured the public that its actions are in line with its mandate and aimed at ensuring safe, reliable, and lawful communication services.

Uganda’s incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh term, facing opposition from Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, and other candidates.