UCC ED, Nyombi Thembo
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered telecommunication operators and other internet service providers to restrict access to Fanon App, following a formal request by Electoral Commission that the owners of the application didn’t seek authorisation from EC.
The directive is contained in a statement issued in the wee hours of 8th January 2026 by UCC, which comes at the time Salim Were, the main figure behind the voter-aiding application, Fanon, was arrested last week by security operatives, barely a week after the application was launched to the public.
“Following a formal request from the Electoral Commission, and in line with its statutory mandate under the Uganda Communications Act, the Commission directed licensed telecommunications operators and internet service providers to restrict access to the said website within Uganda. This action was taken to safeguard the integrity of public information systems, protect the orderly conduct of electoral processes, and prevent the dissemination of information that could potentially mislead members of the public,” wrote UCC.
The Uganda Communications Commission defended its decision arguing that the management of voter registration data, voter location information, and all electoral processes remains the exclusive constitutional responsibility of the Electoral Commission, and as such, any platforms or applications purporting to provide such services must be duly authorised and aligned with the law.
“UCC further reassures the public that this regulatory intervention was purely administrative and preventive in nature, undertaken to ensure compliance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks governing communications and information services in Uganda. The Commission continues to work closely with relevant stakeholders to promote a secure, responsible, and trusted communications environment, especially during this important national event. Members of the public are encouraged to rely only on official channels designated by the Electoral Commission for voter related information,” the statement added.
