The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, has cautioned Ugandans against being overly excited about BITchat, a messaging application that some opposition figures are encouraging the public to download ahead of the elections.
Speaking during a media engagement, Nyombi said the app should not be regarded as a safeguard against possible communication restrictions, stressing that government retains the technical capacity to regulate or disable digital platforms when necessary.
Nyombi said Uganda has a large pool of skilled software engineers and developers within government and its regulatory agencies, enabling authorities to monitor or switch off applications that operate outside the country’s legal and regulatory framework.
“We have the highest concentration of software engineers and developers in this country. It is very easy for us to switch off such platforms if the need arises,” Nyombi said.
His remarks come amid heightened online political activity, with opposition actors urging supporters to adopt alternative communication platforms amid fears of possible restrictions on mainstream social media during the election period.
However, Nyombi maintained that government’s priority is not to disrupt communication but to ensure that digital platforms are used responsibly and in compliance with the law, particularly during sensitive national processes such as elections.
He warned that platforms used to spread misinformation, incite unrest or undermine public order would attract regulatory action, regardless of their origin or popularity.
Nyombi also urged Ugandans to rely on official information channels and to exercise caution when adopting new technologies promoted through political messaging.
As Uganda heads closer to Election Day, UCC says it continues to monitor both traditional and digital media spaces to ensure compliance with existing communication laws and to safeguard national stability.
