Bitchat has change into the most-downloaded app in Uganda as state officers confirmed that web entry has been reduce off and can stay inaccessible throughout the presidential election, which begins on Thursday.
It marks the third straight election through which Ugandan authorities have reduce web entry, a transfer officers mentioned is important to mitigate the unfold of on-line misinformation.
Nevertheless, critics argue that shutting off the web suppresses election-related info and might probably manipulate the result.
The web shutdown took impact on Tuesday at 6:00 pm native time, based on Uganda Communications Fee govt director Nyombi Thembo, in an announcement on X.
Bitchat, an internet-free encrypted messaging app powered by Bluetooth mesh networks, at the moment sits on the prime of app charts on the Apple App Retailer and Google Play in Uganda.
Different prime functions embrace Digital Personal Community apps, highlighting that entry to info stays one of the pressing wants in Uganda as Thursday’s vote approaches.
Final week, Thembo mentioned the web wouldn’t be reduce off.
“Why would you utilize Bitchat when there may be web, web shall be there, use web,” he mentioned final week. He additionally claimed his staff has the technical capability to show off Bitchat.
Knowledge shared by Calle on Jan. 5 confirmed that over 400,000 Ugandans had downloaded the app, a determine doubtless far larger now.
Uganda has now reduce web entry thrice
Throughout the 2016 election, long-time Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni imposed a nationwide block on web and social media entry, citing safety and security issues.
An analogous scenario additionally unfolded in 2021, when a four-day web blackout began on election night time.
Bitchat is being utilized in all corners of the globe
Bitchat has since change into a important resolution for folks in international locations the place web entry has been disrupted — whether or not as a consequence of authorities interference or pure disasters.
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In September, practically 50,000 Nepalese customers turned to the app to avoid a brief 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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