In brief
During Uganda's recent contentious elections, the government implemented a nationwide internet shutdown aimed at ensuring national security. However, this action severely disrupted daily life, with many businesses halting operations, citizens unable to communicate, and online services rendered useless. Reports from entrepreneurs like mobile money agent Mirembe Tracy convey how lost income has led to significant difficulties, showcasing the broader impact on communication, commerce, and the mental well-being of the populace as they navigate life in a digital age without internet access. As partial service has resumed post-election, the implications of this shutdown continue to reverberate through Ugandan society.
Mobile money agent Mirembe Tracy laments that her business in Uganda's bustling capital Kampala was paralysed when the government shut the internet during last week's fiercely contested general election.
All withdrawals were disconnected, she tells the BBC, adding that she gets nearly all of her income from withdrawal commissions.
Without it, her income dropped to zero.
In one week I can earn up to 450,000 [Ugandan] shillings (£96; $130). That money is what I use to pay rent. Losing it was a total loss, she says.
For two days either side of the election, there was nothing she could do but stay at home - she could only sell prepaid airtime credit, which she says does not give a commission.
Uganda's communications authority ordered the nationwide shutdown to ensure peace, protect national stability and prevent the misuse of communication platforms during a sensitive national exercise.
The opposition said it was a move to cover up voter fraud and stop its agents from sharing the results from polling stations.
Either way, it brought many aspects of modern life to a halt.
Online businesses that rely on mobile money transactions were most affected by the blackout, with some coming to a standstill while others reverted to cash-based transactions.
Kampala is famous for its ubiquitous boda boda (motorcycle) taxis, with many operators earning their income through online ride-hailing apps.
The co-founder of SafeBoda told local media that the platform's entire server was down during the internet suspension, with many riders forced off the road and other businesses that depend on the service deprived of their income.
Namukwaya Olivia, who sells traditional cultural clothing and depends heavily on Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp to reach customers, says she did not make any deliveries during the period.
She tells the BBC that many of her customers ask for pictures before deciding on what to buy.
We could not send pictures, we could not receive orders, and we could not make deliveries, the businesswoman says.
According to reports, the journalists and content creators experienced immense difficulties as they were cut off from the flow of information and unable to perform their duties effectively. The communication breakdown also created anxiety among many citizens who relied on social media for news and connection.
As Uganda grapples with these challenges, the implications of the internet shutdown continue to unfold, affecting economic activity and social interactions in profound ways.
