KAMPALA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the national regulator of communication services, on Tuesday shut down internet services across the country ahead of Thursday's general elections.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo told reporters here that the move followed recommendations by the country's Inter-Agency Security Committee.
"In respect of the principle of legitimate aim, the internet restriction directed is in line with the legitimate purpose, that is, protecting national security, public safety and public order," said Thembo.
"The suspension will remain in force until a restoration notice is issued by the regulator," he added.
According to Thembo, the public internet traffic blocked includes social media, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services and messaging applications, among others.
Thembo said that the network for critical national functions such as banks, hospitals, immigration, tax payment systems, aviation, and power grid payment systems has been left open.
In early January, Aminah Zawedde, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology and National Guidance, warned the public against the misuse of artificial intelligence, as the technology could be exploited by negative elements to sway public opinion.
Uganda will go to the polls on Thursday to choose a president and directly elected members of parliament. Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni is seeking a seventh term in office. ■