BitChat Developer Jack
Kampala — Jack Dorsey, the developer of BitChat and co-founder of Twitter (now X), has publicly reacted to claims by Uganda’s communications regulator that the country has the technical capacity to block his application.
The response follows remarks by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, who said the regulator could block BitChat if necessary, arguing that UCC possesses “the best technical team” capable of handling all telecommunications systems and networks operating in the country.
Dorsey responded briefly but pointedly on X, quoting a post referencing the UCC remarks with a single word: “interesting.” The comment has since sparked debate online, with users interpreting it as scepticism about the feasibility of blocking the platform.
BitChat, which is built around decentralised, peer-to-peer messaging technology, has attracted global attention for its design that limits reliance on central servers—an architecture some analysts say makes conventional shutdowns or blocks more difficult than with traditional apps.
BitChat’s parent company, Calle added: “you can’t stop bitchat. you can’t stop us. I invite every ugandan developer to join the global open source movement and contribute. we don’t need anyone’s permission to write code. free and open source. unstoppable. from the people for the people.”
UCC has not issued a further statement clarifying whether it intends to move beyond technical assessments to an actual restriction of the platform. Uganda has a history of internet controls during politically sensitive periods, including past social media shutdowns and platform restrictions.
The exchange between Dorsey and the regulator comes amid broader discussions about digital rights, state regulation of emerging technologies, and the limits of government control over decentralised platforms.
As of now, BitChat remains accessible in Uganda.
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