KAMPALA, Uganda — The founder of the decentralized messaging app, Bitchat, has drawn attention online after reacting lightly to claims by Uganda’s telecom regulator that the app can be blocked ahead of the Jan. 15, 2026, general elections.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine has urged supporters to download Bitchat, a Bluetooth-based, peer-to-peer messaging app, as a backup in case the government shuts down the internet during the vote. The app works without mobile data or servers, allowing nearby phones to exchange messages directly.
The call sparked a public response from the Uganda Communications Commission. In a press briefing, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said the regulator has “the best technical team” and could block Bitchat if needed.
Jack Dorsey, a tech entrepreneur and one of Bitchat’s backers, replied on X with a single word: “interesting.”
The brief comment quickly spread across social media, with users questioning how an offline Bluetooth app could be blocked. Many mocked the claim, asking whether authorities planned to disable Bluetooth or cut electricity.
The exchange fueled more interest in Bitchat, with users reporting a sharp rise in downloads after the UCC warning. Downloads spiked by over 32,000 in the past week alone, pushing user numbers toward an estimated 1 million in Uganda, according to app analytics and local reports. This rapid uptake underscores growing fears among opposition figures and civil society that President Yoweri Museveni’s administration—now in its 40th year—may repeat tactics from previous polls to control information flow.
The online clash comes as Uganda prepares for a tense election. President Yoweri Museveni is seeking another term, facing a strong challenge from Wine. During past elections, the government ordered nationwide internet shutdowns, drawing criticism from rights groups and observers.
Recent limits on alternative services, including satellite internet options, have added to fears of another blackout.
While the government says it is acting to protect security, critics argue the measures restrict free expression. The Bitchat debate has become a symbol of that struggle.
