Ugandan authorities partially lifted the internet shutdown Uganda imposed before the presidential election. They restored basic internet late Saturday—but kept social media blocked. This followed the electoral commission’s declaration that President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term.
Users reported regaining access around 11 p.m. local time (2000 GMT). Airtel Uganda, a major telecom provider, confirmed the change. “We have restored internet so businesses can resume work,” said spokesperson David Birungi. However, he added that the regulator ordered social media to stay offline.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) had cut internet two days before voting. It claimed this would curb “misinformation, disinformation, and electoral fraud.” Yet the opposition strongly disagreed. They argued the internet shutdown Uganda enforced was meant to control the vote—not protect it.
Regional election observers shared this concern. The African Union and partner bodies issued a joint report Saturday. They criticized both the military’s role in the election and the internet blackout. “The shutdown limited access to information,” they said. “It also hurt the economy and bred mistrust in the process.”
Official results gave Museveni 71.6% of the vote. His main rival, Bobi Wine, received 24%. Wine immediately rejected the outcome. He accused authorities of mass fraud. For months, he has claimed security forces detained and tortured his supporters. The government denies this, saying all arrests followed legal procedures.
After the results, protests broke out in Kampala. In Magere—Wine’s neighborhood—young people burned tires and blocked roads. Police responded with tear gas. Spokesperson Racheal Kawala said they quelled the unrest and made arrests. She promised to release detention numbers later.
Wine’s location was unknown early Sunday. On X, he posted that he escaped a military raid on his home. Allies told Reuters he remained safe but hidden in Uganda. This echoes 2021, when he was briefly under house arrest after the last election.
Museveni has ruled since 1986. At 81, he is Africa’s third-longest-serving leader. His new term ends in 2031—marking nearly 50 years in power. Many believe he is preparing his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to succeed him. Muhoozi leads the military and has declared presidential ambitions.
Although basic internet is back, the internet shutdown Uganda maintains on social media shows ongoing restrictions. Citizens, activists, and businesses still lack full digital freedom. Trust in the electoral process continues to decline.
In short, the partial restoration offers limited relief. But the broader impact of the internet shutdown Uganda used during a key democratic moment raises serious concerns about transparency, civic rights, and Uganda’s political future.
