The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader said the plan is informed by past experiences in Uganda, where authorities have repeatedly suspended internet access during election periods, disrupting communication, coordination and real-time monitoring of results.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, Bobi Wine warned supporters to prepare for similar restrictions in the coming weeks, arguing that internet shutdowns have become a familiar tool to limit civic engagement during elections.
“They switch off the internet to block communication, prevent citizens from organising, and stop them from verifying election results and demanding accountability.”
To counter the anticipated disruption, the opposition leader urged supporters to adopt an offline communication platform known as Bitchat, which operates without internet connectivity.
According to Bobi Wine, the application relies on Bluetooth technology, allowing users to share information directly between devices.
He explained that the app will enable users to communicate with large numbers of people simultaneously, transmit images of Declaration of Results (DR) forms, and share other critical election-related information without requiring mobile data or Wi-Fi.
“No internet is required. You don’t need to share phone numbers or email addresses. All you need is to switch on Bluetooth and use the app,” he said, describing the platform as a practical solution to maintain communication if conventional digital channels are cut off.
The strategy is aimed particularly at election agents, volunteers and supporters tasked with monitoring polling stations and relaying results from across the country.
Bobi Wine has long raised concerns over the credibility of Uganda’s electoral process, citing previous elections where internet shutdowns and heavy security deployment limited independent verification of results.
During past polls, social media platforms and messaging services were inaccessible for several days, drawing criticism from human rights groups, election observers and opposition parties who argued that the move undermined transparency and freedom of expression.
The opposition leader said such disruptions make it difficult for citizens to report irregularities, share evidence from polling stations and mobilise legal or civic responses in real time.
By encouraging supporters to prepare alternative communication methods, Bobi Wine said he hopes to reduce the impact of any digital blackout and ensure information continues to flow from polling centres to party headquarters and the public.
Ugandan election officials and government representatives have not confirmed whether an internet shutdown will be imposed during the January polls. In previous elections, authorities justified the shutdowns as necessary for national security and public order.
However, critics argue that the lack of transparency surrounding such decisions fuels suspicion and erodes public trust in the electoral process.
Analysts say Bobi Wine’s move reflects growing sophistication among opposition groups in adapting to restrictive political environments, particularly in countries where digital freedoms are curtailed during sensitive political moments.
The January 15 presidential election is expected to be highly contested, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his decades-long rule amid sustained pressure from opposition forces led by Bobi Wine.
Both the ruling party and opposition camps have intensified preparations, mobilising supporters, deploying agents and refining strategies to influence voter turnout and safeguard results.
To counter the anticipated disruption, the opposition leader urged supporters to adopt an offline communication platform known as Bitchat, which operates without internet connectivity.
According to Bobi Wine, the application relies on Bluetooth technology, allowing users to share information directly between devices.
He explained that the app will enable users to communicate with large numbers of people simultaneously, transmit images of Declaration of Results (DR) forms, and share other critical election-related information without requiring mobile data or Wi-Fi.
“No internet is required. You don’t need to share phone numbers or email addresses. All you need is to switch on Bluetooth and use the app,” he said, describing the platform as a practical solution to maintain communication if conventional digital channels are cut off.
The strategy is aimed particularly at election agents, volunteers and supporters tasked with monitoring polling stations and relaying results from across the country.
Bobi Wine has long raised concerns over the credibility of Uganda’s electoral process, citing previous elections where internet shutdowns and heavy security deployment limited independent verification of results.
During past polls, social media platforms and messaging services were inaccessible for several days, drawing criticism from human rights groups, election observers and opposition parties who argued that the move undermined transparency and freedom of expression.
The opposition leader said such disruptions make it difficult for citizens to report irregularities, share evidence from polling stations and mobilise legal or civic responses in real time.
By encouraging supporters to prepare alternative communication methods, Bobi Wine said he hopes to reduce the impact of any digital blackout and ensure information continues to flow from polling centres to party headquarters and the public.
Ugandan election officials and government representatives have not confirmed whether an internet shutdown will be imposed during the January polls. In previous elections, authorities justified the shutdowns as necessary for national security and public order.
However, critics argue that the lack of transparency surrounding such decisions fuels suspicion and erodes public trust in the electoral process.
Analysts say Bobi Wine’s move reflects growing sophistication among opposition groups in adapting to restrictive political environments, particularly in countries where digital freedoms are curtailed during sensitive political moments.
The January 15 presidential election is expected to be highly contested, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his decades-long rule amid sustained pressure from opposition forces led by Bobi Wine.
Both the ruling party and opposition camps have intensified preparations, mobilising supporters, deploying agents and refining strategies to influence voter turnout and safeguard results.
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