Keypoints:
- Internet partially restored after nationwide shutdown
- Social media platforms remain blocked
- Opposition rejects Museveni’s seventh-term victory
UGANDAN authorities have partially restored internet access following a controversial presidential election that extended President Yoweri Museveni’s rule for another term, easing pressure on businesses while keeping social media restrictions in place amid mounting political tensions.
Uganda has begun restoring internet services after a nationwide blackout imposed ahead of last week’s general election, following President Yoweri Museveni’s victory in a vote rejected by the opposition.
Telecommunications firms said basic connectivity resumed late on Saturday after instructions from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). The move has allowed banks, payment systems and essential online services to resume operations across the country.
However, access to social media platforms including Facebook, X and WhatsApp remains blocked, continuing restrictions that critics say undermine freedom of expression and public accountability.
A spokesperson for Airtel Uganda confirmed that internet access had been reinstated in phases, adding that the priority was restoring services critical to commerce and financial transactions.
Shutdown sparks backlash
The blackout was imposed several days before polling day, cutting off digital communication nationwide. Authorities said the decision was aimed at preventing misinformation and protecting national security during the election period.
Civil society groups, opposition parties and international observers condemned the move, arguing it weakened transparency and obstructed independent monitoring of the vote.
According to Reuters, regional election observers said the shutdown showed ‘a lack of proportionality’ and contributed to mistrust in the electoral process, particularly among younger voters who rely heavily on digital platforms for political engagement.
Business associations also warned that the disruption cost the economy millions of dollars, affecting mobile money services, online retail and cross-border trade.
Museveni extends decades-long rule
Official results released by Uganda’s Electoral Commission showed Museveni, 81, winning approximately 71.6 percent of the vote, securing a seventh term in office.
His closest challenger, opposition leader and former pop star Bobi Wine, received about 24 percent.
Museveni has governed Uganda since 1986 and previously oversaw constitutional changes that removed presidential age and term limits, enabling him to remain in power.
In a post-election address, the president thanked supporters and said the results reflected the will of the Ugandan people.
Opposition rejects outcome
Bobi Wine rejected the results, describing the election as neither free nor fair. He alleged voter intimidation, irregularities at polling stations and the detention of opposition agents.
He also claimed security forces attempted to arrest him at his residence shortly after results were announced. Government officials did not confirm the incident but said security operations were conducted within the law.
Witnesses reported scattered protests in parts of Kampala and surrounding districts, with police deploying tear gas to disperse demonstrators. In some neighbourhoods, youths burned tyres and erected temporary barricades.
Security patrols have since been increased in the capital.
Digital rights concerns deepen
While the partial internet restoration has brought relief to businesses, analysts say the continued social media blockade maintains political pressure and limits civic engagement.
Digital rights organisations warn that election-related shutdowns are becoming increasingly common across Africa, normalising restrictions that disproportionately affect youth participation and independent journalism.
‘Restoring internet without social media allows commerce but restricts conversation,’ a Kampala-based political analyst said.
Authorities have not indicated when full access will be restored.
Fragile calm after the vote
For now, Uganda remains in a delicate post-election phase — streets largely calm, businesses cautiously reopening online, and political tensions simmering beneath the surface.
With social platforms still offline and opposition supporters demanding electoral reforms, observers say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the country moves toward dialogue or deeper division.
