After four days of restricted connectivity, internet services in Uganda have been fully restored following the completion of the country’s general elections.
The internet shutdown, ordered by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), came into effect on January 13, 2026. All telecommunications companies were instructed to suspend internet services, halt the sale of new SIM cards, and limit other communication-related operations nationwide.
According to the UCC, the decision was taken as a preventive security measure aimed at stopping individuals or groups suspected of attempting to disrupt the electoral process.
Ugandan media outlets report that on January 17, shortly after the announcement of the presidential election results, internet access was gradually restored. The results confirmed Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the winner, securing a seventh term as President of Uganda.
With the restoration, Ugandans can once again access all internet-based services as they did prior to the elections.
President Museveni won the election with 71.6% of the vote, defeating seven other candidates. His closest challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, garnered 24.72% of the total votes.
