As Uganda approaches its presidential elections next week, the government is threatening to block access to the decentralized messaging application, Bitchat. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) claims it has the technical capabilities to disable the app, a move that has been met with defiance from Bitchat's developers.
Nyombi Thembo, the executive director of the UCC, stated that Uganda possesses the technical expertise to block Bitchat if it is deemed necessary. In response, Calle, the parent company of Bitchat, shrugged off the threat, stating, "You can't stop Bitchat. You can't stop us". Calle further invited Ugandan developers to contribute to the open-source project, emphasizing that no one's permission is needed to write code.
Bitchat has gained traction as an anti-censorship tool, particularly in regions facing political unrest and potential internet shutdowns. The app utilizes Bluetooth mesh networks, enabling encrypted communication between nearby smartphones without requiring internet access. This feature is especially appealing in countries like Uganda, which has a history of disrupting internet access during elections.
In previous elections, Uganda has implemented internet shutdowns, including a nationwide block in 2016 and a four-day blackout in 2021. These actions have been condemned as attempts to stifle communication and suppress dissent. Opposition leader Bobi Wine has encouraged Ugandans to download and use Bitchat as a precaution against potential government-imposed internet restrictions.
The surge in Bitchat downloads in Uganda reflects the growing concern over potential censorship. Data indicates that over 400,000 Ugandans have already downloaded the app. The decentralized nature of Bitchat, which lacks central servers, accounts, email addresses, or phone numbers, makes it a viable communication option during internet blackouts.
Bitchat has experienced increased usage in other regions facing internet restrictions, including Nepal and Madagascar. In Nepal, nearly 50,000 users downloaded the app to bypass a social media ban during corruption protests.
The exchange between Bitchat's developers and the Ugandan regulator highlights the ongoing debate surrounding digital rights, state regulation of emerging technologies, and the limits of government control over decentralized platforms. As of today, Bitchat remains accessible in Uganda. It remains to be seen whether the government will follow through with its threat to block the app, but the developer's defiant response suggests that they are prepared to fight for the platform's accessibility. The situation underscores the increasing importance of decentralized communication tools in environments where freedom of expression is under threat.
