Svmuu News: As the Ugandan government cut off nationwide internet access during the presidential election, the encrypted messaging app Bitchat became one of the most downloaded apps in the country. The Uganda Communications Commission confirmed that the internet shutdown took effect at 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday and will remain in place throughout the election period. Reports indicate that Bitchat, which relies on Bluetooth Mesh networks to enable encrypted communication without an internet connection, has simultaneously topped the download charts on both the Apple App Store and Google Play in Uganda. Meanwhile, several VPN apps have also ranked high in downloads, indicating a significant increase in local demand for access to information in the run-up to the election. The Ugandan government stated that the internet shutdown aims to prevent the spread of online misinformation during the election, but opponents argue that the move may restrict the flow of election-related information. The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission had previously stated that there would be no internet shutdown, but the measures were ultimately implemented. According to reports, as of early January, over 400,000 users in Uganda had downloaded Bitchat. This marks the third consecutive time Uganda has implemented a nationwide internet shutdown during a presidential election. Similar measures were implemented during the 2016 and 2021 elections. Reports also note that Bitchat has been widely used in recent years in countries with restricted internet access or during sudden disasters, gradually becoming an alternative communication tool in environments where internet access is cut off. (Cointelegraph)