Internet Shutdown Hits Arts Sector

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Ugandan authorities shut down internet access nationwide two days before the January 15, 2026 elections, blocking data services, social media, and online news. The disruption delayed streaming releases for artists, potentially causing losses of up to 12 million Shillings. The blackout coincided with restrictions on journalists, live broadcasts, and human rights organizations, limiting election coverage and civic oversight. The shutdown affected artists, cultural spaces, and civil society relying on digital platforms for expression and documentation.