Uganda internet shutdown ahead of election disrupts regional trade

Less than a day after Ugandan authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout, clearing and forwarding agents at the port suspended the clearing and transportation of cargo destined for Uganda and other landlocked countries in the region. Logistics firms said the shutdown has cut communication with drivers and clients and slowed documentation and clearance processes that depend on online systems.

Fredrick Aloo, national chairman of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa), said modern logistics rely heavily on constant internet connectivity. “Cargo cannot move without communication. Tracking, document submission and coordination all depend on internet access,” he told the Nation.Africa.

Cargo handlers said messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and SMS, which are widely used to communicate with drivers and clients, have become inaccessible. In addition, GPRS tracking systems that rely on mobile data to monitor transit cargo have been disrupted, making it harder to ensure security and timely delivery.

The internet shutdown has also affected customs and logistics platforms used in cargo clearance, raising concerns about congestion at key border points such as Busia and Malaba. Transporters say the suspension of outbound data roaming has further limited drivers’ ability to navigate routes and receive real-time updates.

Some transporters have also begun scaling back operations. Roy Mwanthi, a transporter based in Mombasa, said his company was prioritising local cargo until the situation stabilises. “Cleared transit cargo will move to the border, but to avoid losses and safety risks, we are focusing on local deliveries for now,” he said.

Uganda’s communications regulator ordered mobile network operators to block public internet access from Tuesday evening, with the reason that the shutdown was intended to prevent misinformation and protect national security during the election period.