The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a stern warning to citizens using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass government-imposed internet restrictions, cautioning that such users risk cyberattacks and potential permanent disconnection from national networks.
Speaking on state broadcaster UBC TV on Saturday, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Tembo said authorities were monitoring attempts to circumvent the recent nationwide internet shutdown.
“Those bypassing internet restrictions with VPNs should not be surprised if we attack you, and your device may not be allowed back on the network,” Tembo said.
His remarks came as the government began partially restoring internet services following a five-day nationwide blackout imposed ahead of Uganda’s January 15 general elections. While basic connectivity has started to return, social media platforms remain restricted, according to the regulator.
The shutdown, ordered by UCC on January 13 at 6:00 p.m., suspended public internet access, SIM card sales, and outbound data roaming. Only essential services such as healthcare, banking, and selected government operations were exempted.
Government officials defended the measures as necessary to curb misinformation, disinformation, and alleged risks of electoral fraud during the polls, in which President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his four-decade rule against opposition challenger Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
However, critics argue the blackout was aimed at suppressing opposition mobilisation and limiting information flow. Similar shutdowns during the 2016 and 2021 elections were widely criticised for disrupting protests and civic engagement.
Human rights organisations have strongly condemned the move. Access Now raised concerns over the blocking of Starlink services, warning that such restrictions could undermine electoral transparency. Amnesty International’s Regional Director Tigere Chagutah criticised the shutdown, saying authorities failed to provide evidence that it was necessary to prevent violence, while also pointing to a parallel crackdown on civil society organisations, including the African Centre for Media Excellence.
Public reaction online—where access was available—was swift and sarcastic. Some users questioned how UCC’s warning could be widely disseminated while much of the population remained offline. Others mocked the irony of UBC sharing the message on social media platforms likely accessed via VPNs.
The economic impact has also been significant. Businesses dependent on digital transactions reported losses, while VPN usage surged dramatically. Data from Proton VPN showed sign-ups increased by more than 8,000 percent within the first hour of the shutdown.
As internet services continue to be restored, uncertainty remains over how aggressively authorities will enforce restrictions on VPN use. Observers say the episode highlights growing tensions between state control and digital resilience in Uganda’s political landscape.
Civil society groups say they will continue monitoring developments in the post-election period, calling for greater transparency, respect for digital rights, and protection of freedom of expression.
