Uganda imposed a nationwide internet shutdown two days before its Jan 15, 2026 general election after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered operators to suspend public internet access.​While connectivity was partially restored by January 19, access to major social media and messaging platforms remained restricted, driving a massive spike in VPN demand as citizens sought to reconnect. Similar restrictions could happen again. Anywhere, anytime.

How the disruption was measured

Internal App telemetry

Our anonymized data recorded a 920% increase in VPN traffic from Uganda compared to the pre-election baseline.

• Timeline: Traffic remained flat during the total blackout (Jan 13–18). The surge began immediately as general connectivity was restored on January 18, peaking on January 19 at approximately 20:00 local time.
• Analysis: This pattern is consistent with users regaining basic internet access but finding specific apps (like WhatsApp and X) still blocked, necessitating a VPN to bypass the remaining filters.

Independent network measurement

Third-party monitoring confirmed a widespread shutdown beginning Jan 13, 2026, following a UCC directive. After general connectivity returned, tests indicated that restrictions persisted for social media and messaging platforms, validating the driver behind the VPN surge.

Chain of events

• Before election week: Rights groups warned against potential election-period restrictions as political tensions rose.
• Jan 13, 2026 (18:00): The UCC ordered an internet shutdown, suspending internet services and selected mobile money services "until further notice."
• Jan 15, 2026: Uganda held its general election under a near-total information blackout.
• Jan 18–19, 2026: Internet connectivity was partially restored. However, users immediately reported that social media apps remained inaccessible without circumvention tools.

What remained restricted

As of the partial restoration on Jan 19, monitoring indicated continued blocking of X, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Additionally, Facebook has reportedly remained banned in Uganda since the 2021 elections.

The Reality Check

When governments flip the switch on your favorite apps, you're suddenly:

• Cut off from family and friends abroad
• Unable to run your business or side hustle
• Missing out on news, entertainment, and connection
• Stuck with whatever the government allows

Your internet freedom shouldn't depend on politics.

Your Way Around It: VPN Super Unlimited Proxy

Here's how you stay connected, no matter what:

Quick setup (takes 2 minutes)

To regain access to social media immediately, you can download our VPN for any device.

Step 1: Download

• iOS: App Store → Search "Super Unlimited Proxy"
• Android: Google Play → Search "Super Unlimited Proxy"

Step 2: Install & Open

• Tap "Get Started"
• Allow VPN permissions (this protects you)

Step 3: Connect

• Tap the big connect button
• Wait for the green shield
• You're in.

Got Blocked? Help Track It

If you’re in Uganda and facing ongoing restrictions, you can help document the censorship:

• Submit anonymous evidence: Share screenshots of error messages and your ISP/region details.
• Run a test: Use OONI Probe to measure which websites and apps are specifically blocked on your network.

Together, censorship can be mapped and fought.