Decentralized messaging app gains traction as users prepare for possible internet shutdown
One of the developers behind Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app linked to Jack Dorsey, has publicly dismissed Uganda’s threat to block the platform ahead of the country’s upcoming presidential election. The response comes as downloads surge amid fears of a potential nationwide internet blackout.
Uganda’s communications regulator recently stated it has the technical capability to disable Bitchat, downplaying the app’s impact. The warning followed reports that opposition supporters were installing the app as a contingency tool, recalling past elections when authorities cut internet and social media access.
Bitchat operates using Bluetooth-based mesh networks, allowing users to send encrypted messages without relying on the internet or mobile networks. This design has made it popular in regions facing connectivity disruptions.
Bitchat developer Calle rejected the threat, stating that the platform is open-source, permissionless, and resistant to shutdowns. According to shared data, more than 400,000 users in Uganda have already downloaded the app, with numbers continuing to climb.
Track Record During Crises
Bitchat has previously seen spikes in adoption during internet restrictions and natural disasters. Users in Nepal, Madagascar, and Jamaica turned to the app during protests, bans, and extreme weather events, highlighting its role as a resilient communication tool.
As Uganda approaches election day, Bitchat’s growth underscores rising demand for decentralized, censorship-resistant messaging in politically sensitive environments.
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