Why UCC blocked website providing voter-related information

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The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, said it had taken regulatory action against an unauthorised online platform that was providing voter-related information without approval from the relevant authorities.

UCC spokesperson Ibrahim Bbosa told New Vision that the decision followed a formal request from the Electoral Commission (EC) and was in line with the Commission’s statutory mandate under the Uganda Communications Act.

“Following a formal request from the Electoral Commission, and in line with its statutory mandate under the Uganda Communications Act, the Commission directed licensed telecommunications operators and internet service providers to restrict access to the said website within Uganda.”

Bbosa said the action was taken to safeguard the integrity of public information systems, protect the orderly conduct of electoral processes, and prevent the dissemination of information that could potentially mislead members of the public.

“The Commission emphasises that the management of voter registration data, voter location information, and all electoral processes remains the exclusive constitutional responsibility of the Electoral Commission. Any platforms or applications purporting to provide such services must be duly authorised and aligned with the law.”

He added that the regulatory intervention was administrative and preventive in nature, aimed at ensuring compliance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks governing communications and information services in Uganda.

“The Commission continues to work closely with relevant stakeholders to promote a secure, responsible, and trusted communications environment, especially during this important national event. Members of the public are encouraged to rely only on official channels designated by the Electoral Commission for voter-related information.”

Bbosa said UCC remains committed to enabling safe, reliable and lawful communication services for all.

The move followed a petition by the Electoral Commission.

On Sunday, EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said the Commission had written to the Uganda Police Force to investigate an unauthorised website reportedly operated by a group known as FANON, which has been promoted as a platform where citizens can check their voter registration details and polling stations.

Mucunguzi said the Commission had also written to UCC seeking guidance on further action against the platform.

“That is a criminal act, which we have asked the police to investigate. There is only one entity in the country that is authorised to process voters’ data, and it’s the EC. Any other person without express permission of the commission, without being accredited to do so, are trading in criminal activity, and the agency that can help us to track them and make them account for what they are doing in accordance with the relevant laws, is the police.”

He warned that the website risked misleading the public and causing panic.

Asked how the website obtained voter details, Mucunguzi said the operators would have to explain the source of the information.

“That is what those operating the website would have to explain. We did not hand it over to them. It means they got through illegal means, or they hacked into our system, or they have created their own platform where they are collecting data without authority.”

Asked whether EC data had been hacked, Mucunguzi cautioned against speculation.

“Because we don’t know. We also want to know where they got their information. Our systems are solid. They either created a parallel system, which they have used to collect people’s data, and they should explain.”

Find further details in Thursday's edition of New Vision.

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