The rise of social media politics in Uganda’s elections

As Uganda heads toward the 2026 elections, the role of social media in shaping the political landscape has become undeniable.

In the 2021 general elections, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp were at the center of political campaigns. Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, amassed over 1 million followers on Facebook, using the platform to mobilize his largely youthful base.

According to data from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), internet penetration in Uganda had risen to over 52%, with more than 12 million Ugandans actively using social media platforms.

This widespread digital access has empowered candidates to bypass traditional media filters and engage directly with voters, particularly among the younger population, where nearly 75% of citizens are under 30.

The shift from traditional media, like radio and newspapers, to social media has allowed political actors to disseminate information more quickly and effectively.

In the 2021 elections, opposition parties heavily relied on social media to counter state narratives and campaign on key issues such as unemployment, health care, and corruption.

Government-imposed restrictions, such as the 2020 introduction of a daily social media tax of UGX 200 (approximately $0.05) and the infamous internet shutdown during the 2021 election day, aimed to curb online political activism.

These restrictions were met with public outcry, with critics labeling them as efforts to silence opposition voices. Despite these hurdles, VPN use surged, allowing Ugandans to continue participating in political discussions online.

However, the rise of social media in Ugandan politics has also introduced new challenges, particularly the spread of misinformation and fake news.

According to a 2021 report by the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), fake news and doctored images circulated widely on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, with political operatives creating false accounts to spread propaganda.

The report highlighted that 45% of Ugandans receive their news primarily through social media, increasing the risk of misinformation influencing voters.

The Ugandan government has responded by attempting to regulate digital spaces, proposing legislation to curb fake news, though many critics argue these efforts could infringe on free speech.

As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, the battle for accurate information will be just as critical as the race for votes.