Uganda Opposition Leader Advocates Decentralized Messaging Ahead of 2026 Election
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine is urging citizens to adopt Jack Dorsey's decentralized messaging platform, Bitchat, amid fears of an internet blackout during the 2026 presidential election. Google Trends data shows a surge in Ugandan interest for Bitchat following Wine's public endorsement.
The MOVE comes as a preemptive measure against potential government-imposed internet restrictions, mirroring actions taken during previous elections in 2016 and 2021. Wine alleges the ruling party may disrupt communication channels to suppress voter organization and election transparency.
Bitchat's peer-to-peer architecture offers a censorship-resistant alternative to traditional messaging platforms, positioning it as a potential tool for democratic mobilization in politically volatile environments.