Ugandan officials claimed that they could also shut down the internet-free, encrypted messaging app last week, but haven’t done so yet.
Bitchat has become the most-downloaded app in Uganda as state officials confirmed that internet access has been cut off and will remain inaccessible during the presidential election, which starts on Thursday.
It marks the third straight election in which Ugandan authorities have cut internet access, a move officials said is necessary to mitigate the spread of online misinformation.
However, critics argue that shutting off the internet suppresses election-related information and can potentially manipulate the outcome.
