Internet restored in Uganda but social media and messaging apps still restricted

• Internet restored in Uganda after four days of restrictions during elections
• Access to social media and messaging apps is still restricted
• Proton VPN confirms usage has now hit "an all-time high"

Uganda's internet shutdown has ended after four days but VPN services are still needed to access social media and messaging apps.

Connectivity was gradually restored on Sunday, though the latest data from internet watchdog NetBlocks shows that authorities are still restricting access to several social media platforms.

David Peterson, General Manager of Proton VPN, said that usage in the country has hit "an all-time high."

This follows an 8,000% increase in signups from Uganda in just one hour on Tuesday as restrictions were first imposed. Despite the initial spike, all traffic flatlined on Wednesday as the country was plunged into a total internet blackout.

UCC warns against VPN misues

Using a VPN is currently the only way for people to access blocked social media and messaging apps. Platforms affected include X, TikTok, Instagram, Telegram, and WhatsApp.

While there is no law preventing the use of VPNs, the precise legal landscape is murky.

On Sunday, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) suggested he took no issue with citizens using VPNs to communicate with loved ones. However, he warned that people using the technology to break the law could face significant consequences.

Separately, a spokesperson for the UCC hinted at potential prosecution, noting: "We know you are using VPN to access Facebook, but that does not mean you are immune to legal action."

Why did Uganda restrict access to the internet?

The UCC ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to suspend access on Tuesday, just days ahead of the crucial presidential election.

The commission justified the move by claiming it was necessary to curb the spread of misinformation and election fraud, as well as to protect "national security during the election period

However, digital rights experts have told TechRadar that the internet shutdown undermined the democratic process.

"Deliberately cutting the country off from the rest of the world just days before a highly anticipated election is a profound betrayal and a blatant disregard for democracy," Felicia Anthonio, campaign manager at Access Now, told TechRadar.

This isn't the first time that Uganda's citizens have face such restrictions ahead of an important vote.

The government enforced a similar blackout during the 2021 elections, with NetBlocks confirming that authorities are using the "exact same shutdown and social media filtering" tactics as five years ago.

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!