Uganda internet shutdown ahead of election disrupts cargo movement at Mombasa port

Less than 24 hours after Ugandan authorities shut down the internet ahead of Thursday’s general election, cargo handlers at the port of Mombasa suspended the clearing and transportation of cargo destined for the neighbouring country and other landlocked countries in the region.

Clearing and forwarding agents and transporters said the Ugandan authorities’ move to impose a nationwide internet blackout cut communication between them and drivers and disrupted cargo documentation and clearance processes.

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Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa) national chairman Fredrick Aloo said logistics depend on the internet, and cargo cannot move without communication.

“Logistics heavily relies on internet access and real-time visibility, and so if public internet is suspended, coordination becomes harder, tracking and submission of documents become slow and transit experiences delays,” said Mr Aloo.

According to cargo handlers, the shutdown of the internet has affected communication with drivers and clients through WhatsApp, messages and Telegram, which are now inaccessible.

Mr Aloo said transit cargo relies on GPRS trackers that report through mobile data and public internet, which has been affected.

“Cargo clearance has been affected as some customs and logistics platforms rely on internet access, and with the internet downtime, there will be a potential traffic snarl-up at the border posts. The directive to suspend outbound data roaming has affected communication with drivers and their access for navigation and timely updates,” said Mr Aloo.