Uganda’s Bobi Wine Promotes Bitchat Amid Fears of Internet Blackout

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine is encouraging his supporters to download Jack Dorsey’s decentralized messaging service, Bitchat, ahead of the 2026 presidential election, citing concerns that the ruling party will cut off communication services, as they did in 2016 and 2021. Wine alleges that internet shutdowns are used to prevent citizens from organizing, verifying election results, and demanding accountability for alleged theft. The government, however, claims such measures are necessary for national security. Furthermore, the Ugandan government is reportedly moving to restrict the importation of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet equipment. Bitchat, which uses Bluetooth mesh networks for internet-free, encrypted communication, is expected to allow Wine's supporters to share critical information. Following Wine's promotion, searches for "Bitchat" spiked dramatically in Uganda, with significant download activity reported globally in recent months amid unrest.

(Source：Cointelegraph)