The Ugandan government has switched off Internet services ahead of the country's general election.

Internet services went down in the country yesterday (January 13), as observed by NetBlocks, with Uganda's Communications Commission noting the shutdown was "to mitigate the rapid spread of misinformation."

The country's government ordered mobile network operators to suspend Internet access ahead of the general election, set to take place on Thursday (January 15).

It represents a U-turn from the government, which had said earlier this month that reports of an Internet blackout were "mere rumors," as the commission pledged to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity nationwide.

Internet services were suspended at 18:00 local time. It's not been confirmed when services are likely to be restored. Voice calls and basic SMS services should still remain operational.

"This temporary suspension is a precautionary intervention to ensure peace, protect national stability and prevent the misuse of communication platforms during a sensitive national exercise," said the UCC in a letter to Uganda's mobile operators, as reported by BBC.

It's not the first time Uganda's government has shut down Internet services in the country before an election, doing so in 2021.

The election will see President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, challenged by former pop star, 43-year-old Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.

If Museveni wins it will be his seventh successive election win. Six other candidates are also running.

Uganda isn't the only country experiencing an Internet blackout currently, as Iran continues its Internet shutdown amid widespread anti-regime protests. That blackout is nearing 140 hours.