Uganda’s government fully restored access to social media platforms on Monday, January 26, 2026, ending a nearly two-week shutdown that followed the January 15 presidential election.
The blackout had blocked platforms including X, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, severely restricting communication, online business, and the flow of information during a politically sensitive period.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the country’s Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, announced the restoration. In a post on his social media account, he said:
“We are releasing all social media today. I thank all the great people of Uganda for their support and co-operation throughout this electoral season. You are truly the greatest people on earth, and you give us all the courage to serve. God bless you all.”
The restrictions began on the evening of January 13, when the Uganda Communications Commission ordered mobile network operators and internet service providers to suspend public internet access, including social media and messaging services, citing concerns over misinformation and public order during the election period.
After Museveni was declared the winner on January 15, basic internet services were partially restored on January 18, allowing essential online functions to resume, but major social media platforms remained blocked until Monday.
The blackout drew criticism from opposition politicians and digital rights advocates, who said it limited freedom of expression, restricted the flow of information, and disrupted online businesses.
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Many Ugandans relied on virtual private networks to maintain communication during the outage.
President Museveni’s victory extended his nearly four-decade rule, a result rejected by opposition leaders amid allegations of electoral irregularities.
The post-election period saw heightened political tension, protests, and arrests.
The full restoration of social media is expected to ease communication challenges, support economic activity among digital traders and creators, and restore normalcy in Uganda’s online environment after weeks of restricted access.