Ugandan authorities late on Saturday partially restored internet access after President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner of last week’s election, securing a seventh term in office, although access to major social media platforms remains blocked.
Internet users reported being able to reconnect around 11 p.m. local time following several days of near-total shutdown.
Some service providers told customers the government had ordered a partial restoration to allow businesses and essential services to operate, while restrictions on social media platforms were maintained.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) had earlier said the internet blackout was imposed to prevent what it described as misinformation, disinformation, and risks related to electoral fraud. Critics, including opposition figures and civil society groups, said the shutdown was intended to stifle dissent and limit scrutiny of the electoral process.
The Electoral Commission announced that Museveni, 81, won the January 15 vote with about 71.6%, defeating his main challenger, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who received roughly 24% of the vote.
Wine rejected the results, describing the election as neither free nor fair.Election observers from the African Union and regional organisations criticised the heavy presence of security forces during the polls and the internet shutdown, saying the restrictions curtailed the free flow of information and undermined public confidence in the vote.
Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986 and is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His re-election extends his tenure into a fifth decade, with his new term set to run until 2031.
Following the announcement of results, protests broke out in parts of Kampala and surrounding areas, with youths burning tyres and erecting barricades. Police said they restored order, though details on arrests were not immediately available.
Wine said he had gone into hiding after narrowly escaping what he described as a military raid on his home.
Opposition groups and rights organisations have accused security forces of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation in the lead-up to the vote, claims the government has repeatedly denied.