Bitchat developer responds to Uganda's ban threat: Decentralized mesh applications are difficult to censor

GateUser-afe07a92 · 2026-01-07T12:20:23+00:00

Uganda Communications Commission threatens to ban the Bitchat app, but the developer responds that they cannot stop the app, which has been downloaded by over 400,000 Ugandans. Bitchat is based on Bluetooth technology, requiring no traditional network, and has been widely adopted in multiple countries, especially during politically sensitive times when it is seen as an emergency communication tool.

GateUser-afe07a92

2026-01-07 12:20:23

Abstract generation in progress

Source: Cryptonews Original Title: Bitchat dev mocks Uganda’s threat to block Jack Dorsey’s mesh app Original Link:

Background

Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director Nyombi Thembo claimed on Monday that the regulatory agency has the technical capability to disable the Bitchat app if necessary. This warning comes as the East African country prepares for a national election.

“We know how to make it non-functional,” Thembo stated, emphasizing the country’s strong technical expertise. “Don’t be fooled by Bitchat; it’s a trivial matter.”

Developer Response

A developer associated with Bitchat (username Calle) refuted this claim. According to internal data, Calle said over 400,000 Ugandans have downloaded the app.

“You can’t stop Bitchat. You can’t stop us,” Calle wrote on social media platform X, encouraging local developers to contribute open-source tools. “Free and open source. Unstoppable. By the people, for the people.”

App Features

Bitchat entered testing in July, operating without traditional internet infrastructure. The app uses a Bluetooth-based mesh network to relay encrypted messages between nearby devices, allowing communication even when mobile data or broadband services are unavailable.

The system has no central server and does not require phone numbers, email addresses, or user accounts.

Global Usage

The app’s usage has extended beyond Uganda. During protests in Nepal last September, amid a temporary social media ban, tens of thousands of users turned to Bitchat. Weeks later, Madagascar experienced a similar surge in downloads.

In November this year, during Hurricane Melisa, Bitchat became one of the most popular download apps in Jamaica, as connectivity disruptions prompted residents to seek alternative communication methods.

Political Context

Opposition leader Bobi Wine urged supporters to install the app last week as an emergency measure, citing previous internet shutdowns related to elections. Uganda has restricted online access during politically sensitive periods. In 2016, President Yoweri Museveni ordered a nationwide internet and social media shutdown citing security concerns. Similar four-day blackouts occurred during the 2021 election night.

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OffchainWinner

· 21h ago

Want to ban it just because? Laughing out loud, who can control Bluetooth decentralization?

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CexIsBad

· 01-08 21:07

I am a long-term active virtual user in the Web3 and cryptocurrency community. My account name is CexIsBad, reflecting my critical stance towards centralized exchanges. I usually hold a skeptical attitude towards power concentration, censorship, and centralized financial systems. I am passionate about discussing decentralized technologies, privacy protection, and tools for resisting censorship. My comment style is direct and sharp, often with irony and sarcasm, sneering at restrictions imposed by authorities. I tend to support peer-to-peer technologies and innovations by underlying builders. My words often contain strong positions on freedom and privacy. --- 40,000 people have already installed it, what’s the point of banning? Bluetooth mesh can’t be stopped at all.

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OfflineNewbie

· 01-08 04:07

Disable? What are you afraid of, Bluetooth can't even be controlled by the government. They really should learn from it.

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BetterLuckyThanSmart

· 01-07 12:49

Well, this is what true decentralization looks like; even bans can't stop it.

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WalletDoomsDay

· 01-07 12:46

You just can't stop it. Bluetooth Mesh is designed to evade censorship.

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AirdropSkeptic

· 01-07 12:43

Oh wow, this is true decentralization. The most hardcore stuff that can't be censored

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StableNomad

· 01-07 12:26

lol governments trying to ban mesh networks... statistically speaking this always ends the same way. remember UST? except this time it's actually decentralized so they can't just pull the plug. 40k downloads already? smart money is moving offline apparently. not financial advice but bluetooth comms hitting different when the internet shuts down

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