Uganda has announced the restoration of access to all social media platforms, lifting the restrictions that had been imposed during the elections period.
Through a post on Monday, January 26, 2026, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and President Museveni’s son Muhoozi Kainerugaba, thanked Ugandans for their patience and cooperation throughout the 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,” Muhoozi wrote on his official X account.
He also described Ugandans as the greatest people on earth, adding that their support gives leaders the courage to serve.
“You are truly the greatest people on earth and you give us all the courage to serve. God bless you all,” he added.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) suspended internet services and certain mobile phone services on January 13, 2026, ahead of the January 15 elections which saw President Museveni lock horns with opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
According to UCC, the decision was aimed at curbing misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks.
However, the shutdown drew criticism from right groups who described it as a brazen attack on the right to freedom of expression which includes access to information.
Uganda Electoral Commission declared Yoweri Museveni the winner of the January 15 Presidential election, extending his rule into a seventh term and making him one of Africa’s longest serving Presidents. His new term will run from 2026 to 2031.
In the results released by the Electoral Commission, Museveni garnered 7.9 million votes, equivalent to 71.6% of the total votes cast. His main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, received 2.7 million votes.
