The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced the full restoration of internet services across the country, bringing relief to millions who were cut off during the recently concluded general elections.
By Monday afternoon, users across different networks reported being able to reconnect, with several internet service providers sending out messages confirming that the regulator had ordered a full restoration of services following what it described as “successful technical and security assessments.”
In a statement, UCC thanked the public for their patience during the shutdown, assuring users that all online services were now accessible without restriction. The regulator also said it would continue monitoring the digital space to ensure a “safe, stable and reliable online experience.”
The internet blackout, which began days before the January 15 polls, had sparked widespread frustration, especially among businesses, content creators, journalists, and everyday users who rely heavily on digital platforms for work and communication.
UCC previously defended the decision, saying the shutdown was aimed at curbing misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and related security risks during the election period. However, the move attracted strong criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, who argued that it was intended to control information flow and influence the electoral process.
The restoration comes shortly after President Yoweri Museveni was declared winner of the elections by the Electoral Commission, chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama. Museveni secured 71.65 per cent of the vote, while his closest challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, garnered 24.72 per cent.
International election observers also weighed in on the shutdown. A joint report by the African Union and other regional bodies criticised both the heavy military presence during the polls and the internet blackout, noting that the move limited access to information, disrupted economic activity, and heightened mistrust in the electoral process.
For many Ugandans, however, politics now takes a back seat to a simple reality: phones are buzzing again, timelines are moving, businesses are reconnecting with customers, and life online has resumed.
After weeks of waiting, the country is finally back in the digital conversation.
Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop and Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel
