Internet services in Uganda were partially restored late Saturday following President Yoweri Museveni’s declaration as the winner of Thursday’s presidential election, extending his nearly five-decade rule amid opposition rejection of the results.
Users reported reconnecting to the internet around 11:00 p.m. local time, though social media platforms remained blocked.
Airtel Uganda, one of the country’s largest telecom providers, confirmed that services had resumed to allow businesses reliant on the internet to operate.
The state communications regulator, however, ordered social media networks to stay offline.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said the shutdown was intended to curb “misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks.”
Critics accused the government of exploiting the blackout to tighten control over the electoral process and secure victory for the incumbent.
The Electoral Commission announced Museveni’s victory with 71.6 per cent of the vote, while his main challenger, musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, received 24 per cent.
An observer mission from the African Union and other regional bodies criticised both the military’s involvement in the election and the internet restrictions.
“The shutdown, implemented two days before the elections, limited access to information, curtailed economic activities, and created suspicion over the electoral process,” the observers said.
Museveni, in power since 1986, is now poised to rule for nearly five decades by the end of his new term in 2031.
Analysts noted that he appeared to be grooming his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, currently the head of the military, as a potential successor.
Wine rejected the official results, alleging widespread electoral fraud.
Protests erupted late Saturday in several parts of Kampala, with youths burning tires and setting up barricades in Magere, Wine’s home suburb.
Police deployed tear gas and made arrests, though the exact number of detainees is yet to be disclosed.
Wine’s whereabouts were unknown early Sunday after he reported escaping a military raid on his residence.
Sources indicated he was in an undisclosed location.
Wine has previously alleged harassment and detention of his supporters, claims the government has denied, insisting that all detentions followed due legal process.
