Govt restores partial internet connectivity except social media, defends network shutdown
Nyombi said the restoration followed consultations with security agencies and was carried out in line with international principles of proportionality and legitimate aim.
UCC executive director Nyombi Thembo said the continued restriction of social media was intended to guard against misuse that could threaten public order
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The Government has defended its decision to shut down Internet access before, during and after the General Election, saying it was necessary, proportionate and guided by national security considerations.
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) executive director Nyombi Thembo said the brief shutdown was implemented on the recommendation of the Interagency Security Committee to prevent the spread of misinformation, disinformation and malformation, curb potential electoral fraud and avert incitement to violence during what he described as a highly sensitive national period.
“This measure was not taken lightly. It was aimed at ensuring that the electoral process proceeded peacefully and that the stability Ugandans have worked hard to maintain was not undermined,” Nyombi said.
Addressing the media today, January 18, 2026, at UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala city, Thembo announced the restoration of public Internet access across the country, effective January 18, 2026, following the conclusion of the elections and a security assessment by the Interagency Security Committee.
Nyombi said the restoration followed consultations with security agencies and was carried out in line with international principles of proportionality and legitimate aim.
“I am pleased to announce that following the successful conclusion of the 2026 general elections and a careful assessment by the Interagency Security Committee, the Uganda Communications Commission directed the immediate restoration of public internet access,” he said.
Social media blocked
As of midnight on January 17, general public internet services were fully restored, including access to websites, news platforms, educational resources, government portals, financial services and email. However, social media platforms and over-the-top (OTT) messaging applications remain temporarily restricted.
Nyombi said the continued restriction of social media was intended to guard against misuse that could threaten public order, noting that the Commission would keep monitoring the situation and issue updates as circumstances evolve.
He warned users against attempting to bypass restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs), saying authorities have the technical capacity to detect and act against illegal activity conducted through such tools.
“If you bypass these restrictions and use that bypass to break the law, do not be surprised if your device is blocked from the network,” he said, cautioning that enforcement would target unlawful conduct, not ordinary communication.
Details in the New Vision print edition of January 19, 2026