Government-Imposed Blackout Drives Demand for Internet-Independent Communication
A government-ordered internet blackout in Uganda, implemented ahead of the country’s presidential election, has triggered a sharp rise in downloads of Bitchat, a decentralized messaging application designed to function without internet access.
Uganda’s Communications Commission instructed mobile network operators to suspend public internet access nationwide from 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The commission cited concerns over misinformation and potential electoral interference as the reasons for the shutdown.
This internet restriction comes as 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni seeks a seventh term in office, facing a significant challenge from opposition figure Bobi Wine.
Bitchat Becomes Top Downloaded App Amidst Connectivity Disruptions
As Ugandans prepared for the impending blackout, Bitchat surged to the top of both Android and iOS app charts in the country, becoming the most downloaded application nationwide, according to available app store rankings.
The app’s developer, known as Calle, stated that this spike in downloads reflects a growing public demand for communication tools that can operate effectively during periods of connectivity disruptions.
Bitchat enables users to send messages via Bluetooth, bypassing the need for mobile data or Wi-Fi. This functionality allows nearby devices to form local communication networks, even when the internet is entirely unavailable.
When internet connectivity is eventually restored, the app can also facilitate broader communication across different regions or countries. Bitchat is built with censorship resistance as a core feature, utilizing the Nostr protocol and requiring no phone numbers, email addresses, or user accounts for operation.
Broader Trends and Concerns Surrounding Internet Restrictions
The surge in Bitchat’s popularity highlights how election-related internet restrictions are increasingly driving interest in alternative, decentralized technologies across various parts of Africa.
Uganda has a history of imposing internet shutdowns during election periods. These actions have drawn criticism from civil society groups and digital rights advocates, who argue that such measures unduly restrict freedom of expression and access to essential information.
Analysts suggest that the growing popularity of applications like Bitchat underscores a broader shift toward resilience-focused communication tools. This trend is particularly evident in regions where internet access can be abruptly curtailed for political or security-related reasons.
Similar patterns have been observed in other countries experiencing shutdowns or censorship. In these instances, users have increasingly turned to alternative communication methods such as mesh networks, satellite services, and offline messaging platforms.
As voting day approaches, the internet blackout in Uganda and the rapid adoption of offline messaging apps once again spotlight the critical intersection of technology, political power, and digital rights during high-stakes elections.