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   Internet restored in Uganda but social media and messaging apps still   
   restricted   
      
   Date:   
   Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:34:52 +0000   
      
   Description:   
   While the internet has been restored in Uganda, access to social media and   
   messaging platforms remains restricted. Proton VPN confirms that usage has    
   now hit "an all-time high."   
      
   FULL STORY   
      
   Uganda's internet shutdown has ended after four days but VPN services are   
   still needed to access social media and messaging apps.    
      
   Connectivity was gradually restored on Sunday, though the latest data from   
   internet watchdog NetBlocks shows that authorities are still restricting   
   access to several social media platforms.    
      
   David Peterson, General Manager of Proton VPN , said that usage in the    
   country has hit " an all-time high ."    
      
   This follows an 8,000% increase in signups from Uganda in just one hour on   
   Tuesday as restrictions were first imposed. Despite the initial spike, all   
   traffic flatlined on Wednesday as the country was plunged into a total   
   internet blackout.   
      
   UCC warns against VPN misues    
      
   Using a VPN is currently the only way for people to access blocked social   
   media and messaging apps. Platforms affected include X, TikTok, Instagram,   
   Telegram, and WhatsApp.    
      
   While there is no law preventing the use of VPNs, the precise legal landscape   
   is murky.    
      
   On Sunday, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission   
   (UCC) suggested he took no issue with citizens using VPNs to communicate with   
   loved ones. However, he warned that people using the technology to break the   
   law could face significant consequences.    
      
   Separately, a spokesperson for the UCC hinted at potential prosecution ,   
   noting: "We know you are using VPN to access Facebook, but that does not mean   
   you are immune to legal action."   
      
   Why did Uganda restrict access to the internet?   
      
   The UCC ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to suspend access on   
   Tuesday, just days ahead of the crucial presidential election.    
      
   The commission justified the move by claiming it was necessary to curb the   
   spread of misinformation and election fraud, as well as to protect "national   
   security during the election period."   
      
   However, digital rights experts have told TechRadar that the internet    
   shutdown undermined the democratic process.   
      
   "Deliberately cutting the country off from the rest of the world just days   
   before a highly anticipated election is a profound betrayal and a blatant   
   disregard for democracy," Felicia Anthonio, campaign manager at Access Now,   
   told TechRadar.    
      
   This isn't the first time that Uganda's citizens have face such restrictions   
   ahead of an important vote.    
      
   The government enforced a similar blackout during the 2021 elections, with   
   NetBlocks confirming that authorities are using the "exact same shutdown and   
   social media filtering" tactics as five years ago.    
      
   ======================================================================   
   Link to news story:   
   https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/internet-restored-in-uganda   
   -but-social-media-and-messaging-apps-still-restricted   
      
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