Bitchat Becomes Most Downloaded App In Uganda As Government Blocks Internet To Curb Online Misinformation

Bitchat Tops Downloads As Uganda Cuts Internet During Presidential Vote

Ugandans raced to download the encrypted messaging app Bitchat after authorities cut public internet access nationwide ahead of the presidential election.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) confirmed that the shutdown began at 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday and will remain in place throughout the election period.

The blackout affects mobile data, fibre, and other public internet services, a measure officials said is aimed at reducing the spread of false information.

How Bitchat Keeps Messaging Alive Without Internet

Bitchat operates on a Bluetooth mesh network, allowing users to communicate securely even without an internet connection.

Following the shutdown, the app quickly surged to the top of both the Apple App Store and Google Play charts in Uganda.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) apps also saw high download rates, reflecting strong public demand for access to information during the election.

Source: appfigures

Government Says Misinformation Is The Concern But Critics Disagree

The UCC has defended the internet shutdown as a way to curb misinformation and content that could provoke unrest.

However, critics warn that blocking online access could suppress election-related information and limit public transparency.

This marks the third consecutive presidential election in Uganda where authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout, with similar measures implemented in 2016 and 2021.

Official Denials Came Before Shutdown Took Place

Last week, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo had insisted the internet would remain available.

“Why would you use Bitchat when there is internet? Internet will be there, use internet.”

Thembo also claimed the commission had the technical capacity to block Bitchat if necessary.

Despite these statements, the shutdown was implemented, and Bitchat’s downloads have now exceeded 400,000 users in Uganda as of early January.

Election Concerns Drive Adoption

Opposition leader Bobi Wine encouraged supporters to download Bitchat in anticipation of the blackout, highlighting its ability to enable messaging across large groups without internet.

Searches for the app spiked sharply after his appeal, signalling that fears of restricted connectivity helped fuel adoption.

Bitchat Finds Global Use Beyond Uganda

Bitchat has also been adopted in other countries facing internet restrictions or emergencies.

In September, nearly 50,000 users in Nepal relied on the app during temporary social media bans amid corruption protests.

Madagascar saw similar use three weeks later, while in November, Jamaican residents turned to the app when Hurricane Melissa caused widespread communication outages.

The surge in Bitchat downloads illustrates how users are turning to alternative communication platforms when traditional internet access is unavailable, particularly in politically or environmentally sensitive situations.