Kampala: Uganda has partially restored internet services after days of nationwide disruption that followed the country’s general election, which confirmed President Yoweri Museveni’s victory and extended his rule to a seventh term.
Internet access began returning late on January 18, mainly allowing basic browsing and some business services. However, major social media platforms and messaging applications remained blocked, leaving many Ugandans still unable to communicate freely online.
The shutdown was imposed ahead of the January 15 election, a move authorities said was necessary to prevent misinformation and possible unrest. Rights groups, opposition leaders and election observers criticised the blackout, saying it restricted transparency and limited the public’s ability to share information during a critical democratic process.
The electoral commission declared Museveni, 81, the winner with about 71 percent of the vote. His main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, rejected the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities and voter intimidation. The government has denied these claims.
The election period and its aftermath were marked by heavy security deployment in parts of the country. Protests were reported in and around Kampala, with several people killed and many others arrested, according to rights organisations and local reports.
Regional and international observers raised concerns over the role of security forces, the internet shutdown and restrictions on civil liberties. They said these factors affected the overall credibility of the vote, even as the government defended its actions as measures to maintain stability.
As of Monday, many businesses, media houses and ordinary users continued to face limited online access. There was no official timeline from the government on when full internet services, including social media, would be completely restored.
The situation has kept political tensions high in the country, as Ugandans wait for clarity on internet access and the opposition weighs its next steps following the disputed election result.