Uganda Internet Restored After Election Blackout

Internet access has returned to Uganda after four days of widespread restrictions, but social media and messaging platforms remain largely inaccessible. Citizens can now connect to websites normally, yet apps like X, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram still require VPNs to function. The partial restoration follows intense disruption during the final days of Uganda’s 2026 presidential election, prompting a surge in VPN usage across the country.

VPN Usage Hits Record Highs

Proton VPN reports that user activity in Uganda has reached an “all-time high.” Interest in VPN services skyrocketed after the initial restrictions were imposed, with an astonishing 8,000% increase in signups within a single hour on Tuesday. Once the country was plunged into a total internet blackout, online activity fell dramatically, but VPN demand has since remained elevated as citizens try to regain access to blocked platforms.

Social Media Platforms Remain Restricted

Despite the restoration of general internet connectivity, authorities continue to limit access to major social media and messaging apps. Platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, Telegram, and WhatsApp are still blocked, leaving VPNs as the primary workaround. These ongoing restrictions have kept Uganda in a state of digital partial lockdown, frustrating users eager to share news, updates, and election-related content online.

UCC Provides Guidance on VPN Use

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has offered a mixed stance on VPN usage. While citizens can use VPNs to communicate with family and friends, the UCC warns that misuse of the technology could lead to legal consequences. A spokesperson stated, “We know you are using VPN to access Facebook, but that does not mean you are immune to legal action,” highlighting the murky legal environment surrounding virtual private networks.

Election-Related Restrictions Spark Controversy

The blackout and partial internet restoration follow UCC orders issued just days before the country’s presidential election. Officials argued the shutdown was necessary to maintain security and prevent misinformation during the vote. However, critics say the move infringed on free expression and hindered the public’s ability to access critical information during a decisive political moment.

Citizens Seek Workarounds Amid Uncertainty

With VPNs remaining the only reliable method to access blocked apps, many Ugandans have turned to these services despite the risks. Proton VPN’s data shows that user demand remains extraordinarily high, underscoring the population’s determination to maintain digital connectivity. While the internet is technically restored, full access to social media and messaging apps remains uncertain until government-imposed restrictions are lifted entirely.

Global Perspective on Internet Blackouts

Uganda’s recent blackout is part of a growing trend of election-related internet restrictions worldwide. Countries like Cameroon have seen similar surges in VPN signups during digital shutdowns, indicating that citizens increasingly rely on virtual private networks to bypass government-imposed blocks. These events highlight the ongoing tension between state control and digital freedom, especially during politically sensitive periods.

What Comes Next for Ugandans Online

As the country recovers from its temporary blackout, the public and digital rights advocates are watching closely. The UCC’s guidance on VPN usage leaves room for interpretation, and further restrictions remain possible. For now, citizens continue to navigate a landscape where internet access is restored but social media freedom is curtailed, relying on technological workarounds to stay connected.