Internet Services Fully Restored Across Uganda, UCC Announces
KAMPALA – January 26, 2026 – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) announced on Monday that full internet services have been restored across the country, ending a nearly two-week suspension imposed during the recent election period.
In an official statement, the commission, led by Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, confirmed that the restoration followed the completion of necessary technical and security assessments. “Members of the public can now access the internet and all online services without the previously imposed restrictions,” the UCC stated.
The move was foreshadowed earlier in the day by the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account that the government was set to restore all social media services. “We are releasing all social media today,” Gen. Muhoozi wrote, extending thanks to Ugandans for their “support and co-operation throughout this electoral season.”
The internet shutdown was initiated on January 13, 2026, following a directive from the UCC that acted on a recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee. The order required all licensed Mobile Network Operators and Internet Service Providers to temporarily suspend public internet access. It also halted the sale and registration of new SIM cards and outbound data roaming services to neighboring One Network Area countries.
Nyombi Thembo explained that the drastic measure was intended to “curb the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and other election-related risks” during what was described as a highly charged national election period.
The restoration of services marks a return to normalcy for Ugandan citizens, businesses, and communication platforms, allowing unrestricted access to online information and social media networks.
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