Bitchat has emerged as the leading application in Uganda as government officials confirmed a nationwide internet blackout, which is set to persist in light of the upcoming presidential election on Thursday.

This marks the third consecutive election where Ugandan authorities have imposed such restrictions, which officials claim are necessary to prevent the circulation of online misinformation.

Critics argue that cutting off internet access restricts vital election-related information and may influence electoral outcomes.

The internet service suspension began on Tuesday at 6:00 PM local time, according to Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission, who made the announcement via X.

Bitchat, a messaging application that operates without internet connectivity utilizing Bluetooth mesh technology, is currently leading in both the Apple App Store and Google Play store rankings in Uganda.

Other popular applications include Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, indicating that access to information is a critical need as the election draws near.

Bitchat’s ranking in the Apple App Store in Uganda Bitchat’s ranking in the free section of the Apple App Store in Uganda. Source: Appfigures

Despite earlier statements by Thembo suggesting that internet services would remain operational, the reality has shifted.

“Why would you use Bitchat when there is internet? Use the internet,” he stated last week, while also claiming to possess the necessary technical resources to disable Bitchat.

Last year, Jack Dorsey introduced #Bitchat, a peer-to-peer encrypted messaging application, which has now taken the forefront in Uganda, allowing citizens to challenge the longstanding presidency of Yoweri Museveni.

A report shared by Calle on January 5 stated that over 400,000 Ugandans had already downloaded the Bitchat app, a number that has likely increased since then.

Uganda’s Recurrent Internet Restrictions

During the 2016 elections, Museveni implemented an all-encompassing ban on internet and social media services nationwide, citing security concerns.

Similarly, in 2021, internet access was disabled starting on election night for four days.

Bitchat’s Global Impact

Bitchat has proven essential in regions where internet access has been disrupted, either due to governmental actions or natural disasters.

In September, nearly 50,000 users in Nepal turned to Bitchat amid a temporary ban on social media during anti-corruption protests, with a comparable rise in downloads occurring in Madagascar around three weeks later. Furthermore, many Jamaicans resorted to Bitchat during Hurricane Melissa in November, which resulted in severely damaged communication infrastructure.

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