MTN, Airtel Sued Over Uganda Internet Shutdown During Elections

Telecommunications giants MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda have been dragged to court over their role in the nationwide internet shutdown imposed during Uganda’s recent general elections.

According to a report by the Daily Monitor, two lawyers, Michael Aboneka and Raymond Amumpaire, have filed a case in the High Court (Civil Division) challenging the legality of the internet blackout that disrupted communication across the country during the election period.

Also listed as respondents in the suit are the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Tangerine Limited (Lyca Mobile).

Unlawful and Unconstitutional

The applicants argue that the internet shutdown was illegal, unconstitutional, and unjustified, saying it violated Ugandans’ fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to conduct business.

They contend that the telecom companies acted on directives that lacked transparency and were not backed by a clear legal framework, yet complied without questioning the constitutional implications.

Economic and Social Disruption

The lawyers state that the shutdown caused widespread disruption, particularly to:

Mobile money services

Online businesses

Media operations

Access to election information

Millions of Ugandans, they argue, were cut off from essential digital services at a critical national moment.

UCC Under Fire

The Uganda Communications Commission is accused of failing in its regulatory duty by ordering or permitting the shutdown without safeguarding citizens’ rights as required under the Constitution and communications laws.

What the Plaintiffs Want

The suit seeks:

A court declaration that the internet shutdown was unlawful

Orders preventing future shutdowns without a clear legal basis

Costs of the suit to be paid by the respondents

As of now, none of the respondents has publicly responded to the lawsuit, and the court is yet to set a hearing date.

Background

Uganda experienced a near-total internet blackout around election day, following government directives issued through UCC. Authorities cited national security and public order concerns, but the move drew criticism from civil society groups, media, and digital rights activists both locally and internationally.

The case is expected to reignite debate over digital rights, government power, and accountability of telecom companies in Uganda.