Uganda to Restore Full Social Media Access After Post-Election Shutdown

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced on Monday that the government will fully restore access to social media platforms, ending a widespread post-election internet shutdown.

Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, stated the move marks the final phase of restrictions imposed during the recent electoral period. “We are releasing all social media today. I thank all the great people of Uganda for their support and co-operation throughout this electoral season,” he said in a public statement.

The announcement follows days of heavily restricted internet access, which critics decried as an attempt to suppress dissent and control information flow. Last week, authorities partially restored connectivity for essential economic services but maintained blocks on social media platforms.

The government has defended the shutdown as a necessary security measure to prevent the spread of misinformation and electoral fraud. The state communications regulator said the step was taken to curb “misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks.”

Opposition leaders and digital rights groups have rejected that explanation, arguing the blackout was intended to limit scrutiny of the election process and results. The shutdown disrupted daily life, affecting banking, commerce, and communications across the country.

The announcement comes amid ongoing tension following President Museveni’s controversial re-election, which extends his rule into a fifth decade. Opposition leader Bobi Wine has rejected the results and recently reported a military and police raid on his home, claiming he narrowly escaped detention.

In a statement over the weekend, Wine described a chaotic night during which security forces cut power and surveilled his property. He confirmed he remains in hiding while his family is under house arrest.

General Kainerugaba’s social media restoration message struck a conciliatory tone, though it made no mention of the opposition’s allegations or the ongoing political friction. Digital monitoring groups are now watching to confirm whether access is fully and unconditionally reinstated across the country.