• UCC has restored general internet access across Uganda, allowing web browsing, banking, email, and government services.
• Social media platforms and OTT messaging apps remain temporarily restricted to prevent misuse during the election period.
• UCC has warned that users accessing social media through VPNs risk having their devices blocked from the network.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has confirmed that while internet access was restored last night, social media platforms remain temporarily restricted.

Ugandans experienced a nationwide internet shutdown on Tuesday, January 13, at exactly 6:00pm. All mobile internet and public access were cut off, with only a few essential offices and organisations allowed to stay online. In a briefing issued after services were restored, UCC Executive Director Thembo Nyombi said general internet access has now been fully reinstated, but social media platforms are still switched off.

Nyombi also issued a stern warning to users accessing social media through VPNs, saying the commission has the capacity to block such devices from the network.

“This measure was not taken lightly,” he said. “The shutdown was implemented to ensure the electoral process proceeded peacefully and that the peace and stability Ugandans have worked so hard to maintain were not undermined. As of midnight last night, general public internet access was fully restored.”

However, he clarified that the restored access is limited to web browsing, news websites, educational resources, government portals, financial services, email, and other essential online services — excluding social media platforms.

“Following directives issued to all licensed mobile network operators and internet service providers, social media platforms and messaging or OTT applications remain temporarily restricted to prevent misuse that could threaten public order,” Nyombi added.

He further warned that individuals using VPNs to bypass the restrictions risk having their devices blocked entirely.

“There are people who think they can bypass these directives by using VPNs,” he said. “But we now have the capability, especially where such bypassing is used to break the law, to directly target and disable those devices from accessing the network. We don’t want to go that far, but if you choose to bypass the restrictions for illegal purposes, don’t be surprised if your device can no longer connect to the network.”