Uganda opposition leader Bobi Wine urged supporters to download Bitchat.
He warned authorities may block internet access during upcoming elections.
Uganda’s presidential election is scheduled for January fifteen twenty six.
Search interest for Bitchat surged nationwide after Wine’s public message.
Google Trends data showed searches jumped from zero to peak.
Wine said shutdowns prevent citizens organising verifying results demanding accountability.
Uganda previously imposed internet blackouts during elections in twenty sixteen.
Similar shutdowns were reported during the twenty twenty one election.
Human rights groups say blackouts disproportionately harm opposition political organising.
The government said past restrictions were required for national security.
Bitchat is a decentralised messaging app launched by Jack Dorsey.
The service uses Bluetooth mesh networks to operate without internet.
It requires no servers accounts phone numbers or email registration.
Wine said the app enables rapid communication among thousands nationwide.
Authorities have not confirmed plans for an election period shutdown.
Concerns intensified after reports restricting Starlink satellite internet equipment imports.
Bitchat downloads have increased sharply during political unrest elsewhere globally.
Download spikes were previously recorded in Madagascar Nepal and Indonesia.
Wine leads the National Unity Platform party and contested elections.
President Yoweri Museveni has governed Uganda continuously since nineteen eighty.