A developer of decentralised messaging app Bitchat has brushed off Uganda’s threat to block the platform ahead of presidential elections.
Uganda Communications Commission director Nyombi Thembo said authorities have the technical capacity to disable the app.
Bitchat operates through Bluetooth mesh networks, allowing encrypted messaging without internet access.
Downloads surged after opposition leader Bobi Wine urged supporters to install the app in case of an internet shutdown.
We know how it can be made not to work.
Nyombi Thembo said.
Don’t be excited by Bitchat, it’s a small thing.
He added.
Developer Calle rejected the warning and encouraged local programmers to contribute to open-source tools.
You can’t stop Bitchat. You can’t stop us.
Calle said.
Data shared by Calle showed more than 400,000 Ugandans have downloaded the app.
Uganda previously imposed nationwide internet blackouts during the 2016 and 2021 elections.
Bitchat has been promoted as a fallback tool during connectivity disruptions due to its lack of central servers.
The app has also seen spikes in downloads during protests and disasters in countries including Nepal, Madagascar and Jamaica.