File image of President Yoweri Museveni.
Internet access has been partially restored in Uganda following days of nationwide shutdown.
In a statement on Sunday, January 18, network monitoring organization NetBlocks said connectivity was slowly returning in Uganda, though many users remain offline.
“Network data show a partial restoration of internet connectivity in Uganda, though many users remain offline. Service was cut on the 13th, and elections were held with the opposition detained, some voting machines disconnected, and ballots stuffed, per reports,” NetBlocks stated.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) shut down the internet on January 13, ahead of the country’s General Election.
In a statement, UCC cited the need to curb electoral fraud and related risks and acknowledged operational challenges imposed by the directive.
President Yoweri Museveni justified the shutdown of the internet, saying it was a temporary and necessary step to protect national security and public order.
He dismissed claims that the blackout was meant to stifle dissent or silence the country’s predominantly young electorate.
“We are the ones who built it,” he said, referring to the internet, and explained that the shutdown was aimed at thwarting criminals who, in his view, sought to use digital platforms to destabilise the nation.
“It is temporary, short-term, but like any road closure, it is to prevent chaos,” Museveni added.
Museveni was on Saturday, January 17, declared the winner of Uganda’s January 15, 2026, presidential election, extending his remarkable hold on power to a seventh term.
Museveni secured 7.9 million votes (71.65 percent), defeating opposition leader Bobi Wine, who received 2.7 million votes (24.72 percent).
Museveni, who is 81 years old, has been in power since January 1986. He first rose to national prominence as the leader of the National Resistance Army (NRA).
