Bitchat Downloads Soar in Uganda Amid Election Blackout Fears

Bitchat downloads in Uganda have soared after Bobi Wine urged its use to counter possible election internet shutdowns. The decentralized app enables offline messaging, attracting users amid fears of communication blackouts.

Interest in the decentralized messaging app Bitchat has surged in Uganda following calls from opposition leader Bobi Wine for citizens to adopt the tool ahead of the 2026 general election. Wine urged supporters to download Bitchat, citing fears that the ruling party may impose internet shutdowns similar to those seen during previous elections. Bitchat, developed by Jack Dorsey, operates via Bluetooth mesh networking, allowing users to communicate and share information without internet access or personal identification. The app enables rapid dissemination of messages and images, such as election result forms, even during connectivity blackouts. Google Trends data showed a sharp increase in Bitchat-related searches in Uganda, and the app recorded tens of thousands of downloads in recent days. The government has also restricted the importation of Starlink satellite equipment, raising further concerns about communication access. Bitchat’s privacy-focused, decentralized design has attracted users seeking reliable communication tools amid political tensions and fears of information control.