The Ugandan government has officially lifted the temporary restrictions on social media platforms across the country, allowing citizens to access all platforms without the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
The restrictions were imposed following a nationwide internet shutdown aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation, election-related fraud, and the incitement of violence during the recent general elections.
Although internet services were restored on Saturday, January 17, 2026, access to major social media platforms remained restricted, leaving millions of Ugandans unable to use applications such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and others. During this period, some users resorted to VPNs to bypass the restrictions.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo, had earlier issued a stern warning to Ugandans using VPNs, stating that doing so was illegal and could result in devices being permanently blocked from accessing the internet. He further cautioned that users risked cyber threats while using such tools.
Following a review of the country’s security and political situation, authorities have now fully lifted the social media restrictions, restoring normal digital communication nationwide.
Reacting to the development, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba expressed gratitude to Ugandans for their patience, cooperation, and support throughout the electoral period.
The restoration of unrestricted social media access has been welcomed by the public, businesses, and digital content creators, who rely heavily on online platforms for communication, trade, and information sharing.
