Bitchat has develop into the most-downloaded app in Uganda as state officers confirmed that web entry has been minimize off and can stay inaccessible in the course of the presidential election, which begins on Thursday.
It marks the third straight election during which Ugandan authorities have minimize web entry, a transfer officers mentioned is important to mitigate the unfold of on-line misinformation.
Nonetheless, critics argue that shutting off the web suppresses election-related data and might doubtlessly manipulate the end result.
The web shutdown took impact on Tuesday at 6:00 pm native time, in response to Uganda Communications Fee government director Nyombi Thembo, in an announcement on X.
Bitchat, an internet-free encrypted messaging app powered by Bluetooth mesh networks, presently sits on the prime of app charts on the Apple App Retailer and Google Play in Uganda.
Different prime purposes embody Digital Non-public Community apps, highlighting that entry to data stays one of the pressing wants in Uganda as Thursday’s vote approaches.
Final week, Thembo mentioned the web wouldn’t be minimize off.
“Why would you employ Bitchat when there may be web, web might be there, use web,” he mentioned final week. He additionally claimed his workforce has the technical capability to show off Bitchat.
Information shared by Calle on Jan. 5 confirmed that over 400,000 Ugandans had downloaded the app, a determine probably far greater now.
Uganda has now minimize web entry 3 times
Through the 2016 election, long-time Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni imposed a nationwide block on web and social media entry, citing safety and security considerations.
An analogous scenario additionally unfolded in 2021, when a four-day web blackout began on election evening.
Bitchat is being utilized in all corners of the globe
Bitchat has since develop into a important resolution for individuals in international locations the place web entry has been disrupted — whether or not as a result of authorities interference or pure disasters.
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In September, almost 50,000 Nepalese customers turned to the app to bypass a short lived social media ban as corruption protests unfolded, whereas the same scenario performed out in Madagascar roughly three weeks later.
Many Jamaicans additionally flocked to the app in November when Hurricane Melissa struck, which noticed 185-mile-per-hour winds batter the Caribbean area and knock out common communication channels.
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