Partial internet access restored as Uganda emerges from election blackout 

Uganda began restoring internet access on Saturday, January 17, 2026, days after a government-ordered shutdown that started on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, ahead of the general election. 

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said the restriction was meant to curb “misinformation”, reduce risks of “electoral fraud”, and prevent “incitement to violence”

Only services considered essential remained available during the period. 

Users started reporting that internet access was coming back in phases at around 11pm on Saturday night, but the return was not complete. 

By Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, many Ugandans still could not access major platforms such as Facebook and X. 

Local updates also indicated that social media access remained blocked even as some general connectivity returned. 

The blackout disrupted daily business, especially traders and mobile money agents who rely on stable connectivity for deposits and withdrawals. 

Mobile money industry leaders reported that agency banking systems went down and mobile money withdrawals were “on and off,” leaving customers stranded. 

The partial restoration followed the declaration of President Yoweri Museveni as winner of the presidential race. 

The 80 year old won 71.65% of the vote, while opposition leader Bobi Wine got 24.72%, and rejected the outcome. 

Even with the internet slowly returning, many Ugandans said the continued limits on social media kept them cut off from news, public debate and online commerce at a time when the country is still digesting the election results.