KAMPALA – The government has lifted all remaining restrictions on social media platforms, with access set to resume fully today, Monday, January 26, according to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Announcing the decision via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday morning, Gen Muhoozi said the move marked the end of the election-related limitations that had been in place for several weeks. He expressed appreciation to citizens for their cooperation throughout the electoral period.
“Today we are restoring access to all social media platforms. I thank the people of Uganda for their patience, support, and discipline during this electoral season,” he wrote, describing Ugandans as a source of strength and motivation for those in public service and invoking blessings upon the nation.
The development comes after a January 13 government directive instructed telecom companies and internet service providers to temporarily shut down public internet access and selected mobile services ahead of the January 14 general elections, citing national security concerns.
While the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) later announced that general internet connectivity had been reinstated on January 18, it maintained that access to social media and over-the-top (OTT) services would remain restricted until further notice.
The extended blackout drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who argued that the shutdown was intended to curb dissent and restrict information flow during and after the elections. The restrictions also affected many Ugandans who rely on digital platforms for income, including online vendors, content creators, and digital marketers, several of whom reported financial losses.
*pml daily*
