Uganda Blocks KTN From Airing Polls

Hours before Ugandans headed to the polls, the country pulled the plug on a Kenyan broadcaster, leaving citizens in the dark about their own election.

An insider source who spoke exclusively withKenyans.co.kerevealed that Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered Multi-Choice to suspend KTN from the DSTV platform, citing national security concerns.

The source also revealed that the Ugandan government, through UCC, has blocked KTN’s Standard Newspaper from entering the country.

Multi-Choice confirmed it would comply with the order until authorities lift the suspension.

KTN had been covering opposition voices and civic unrest in the lead-up to Uganda's 10th general election.

The directive came alongsidea nationwide internet blackout by UCC, which ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access and selected mobile services from 6 pm on January 13, 2026, during the ongoing election period.

The directive, issued on Tuesday, affects public internet access, SIM card sales and registration, and outbound data roaming, while granting exemptions to essential services such as healthcare, banking, and government operations.

President Yoweri Museveni, 81, is seeking a seventh term against opposition leader Bobby Wine, 43, who is pushing for generational change.

Dr. Lina Zedriga, Bobby Wine's running mate, described the situation on the ground as chaotic.

"The rigging is ongoing with this biometric system of voting. We have not even been trained, electorates have not been trained," she said.

Over 10 journalists were reportedly brutalised, and media houses faced closure threats.

Kenyan activist Bob Njugi, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026,warned that Uganda's election environment failed international standards.

"The over militarization of these elections is already sending fears to a large percentage of the population so our fear is that the turnout will be low," he noted.

Media freedom advocates described the blackout as a strategy to control the narrative and silence dissent.

KTN vowed to continue reporting despite the suspension, maintaining its commitment to independent coverage across East Africa.