Businesses Left Stranded by the Shutdown
The recent Internet shutdown in Uganda brought many online businesses to a halt, leaving thousands of workers and customers stranded. Services such as online food delivery, e-commerce platforms, and mobile money were among the hardest hit, highlighting how deeply Uganda’s growing digital economy relies on stable internet connectivity.
Online Food Delivery Services Disrupted
Online food delivery services like Glovo were severely affected by the shutdown. These platforms rely entirely on the internet to connect customers with delivery riders and restaurants. Mr. Paul Musinguzi, a Glovo boda rider, shared how the shutdown wiped out his only source of income. “Before the shutdown, I made about 15 rides a day, earning around Shs50,000. When the internet went off, I was left stranded because this is what I depend on to support my family,” he said.
Another rider, Mr. Ronald John Baptist, explained the shutdown’s devastating impact. “I lost about Shs170,000 during that time. Even now, business has not fully recovered because customers still struggle to access the internet. It’s a very hard time for food delivery,” he said.
Online Shopping and E-Commerce Affected
E-commerce platforms like Jumia were also crippled by the shutdown. These platforms depend entirely on the internet to connect buyers and sellers. Mr. Imran Musani, a sales agent at Jumia in Kabalagala, described the losses: “I lost about Shs600,000 in sales. People were getting used to online shopping because of its convenience. When the internet was shut down, everything stopped.”
Customers were also frustrated. Ms. Harriet Mirembe, who regularly shops online, recounted how the shutdown affected her. “I had visitors at home and needed blankets urgently. I couldn’t order anything online. This is a disservice to the public,” she said.
Digital Transport Services Grounded
Digital transport companies like Safe Boda were also impacted. Safe Boda, which provides motorcycle taxi and car-hailing services, had to halt operations completely. Co-founder Mr. Rapa Thomoson Ricky explained, “We earn commissions from every ride. With the internet off, there was nothing we could do. Orders stopped, yet we still had workers who needed salaries.”
Attempts to create offline alternatives failed due to limited resources, and the business had no way of reaching its customers.
Mobile Money and Forex Exchange Disruptions
Mobile money and forex services were significantly disrupted. Ms. Joan Nahabwe, a worker in mobile money and forex exchange, shared her experience. “Many customers had money but could not access it because everything requires the internet. We had no backup system,” she said. During the four-day shutdown, both businesses and customers suffered, with no way to perform critical transactions.
The shutdown revealed Uganda’s heavy reliance on the internet for economic activities. For many workers, especially young entrepreneurs, the blackout meant lost income and stalled investments.
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The shutdown underscores the fragility of Uganda’s growing digital economy. For many, the loss of income and the uncertainty it created serve as a reminder of how vital internet access has become for businesses and workers alike.
