{"id":9699,"date":"2026-01-18T19:30:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T19:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/westernpearlreports.com\/?p=9699"},"modified":"2026-01-18T19:30:46","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T19:30:46","slug":"uganda-reconnects-general-internet-holds-back-on-social-media-access","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/westernpearlreports.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/18\/uganda-reconnects-general-internet-holds-back-on-social-media-access\/","title":{"rendered":"Uganda Reconnects General Internet, Holds Back on Social Media Access"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

KAMPALA, UGANDA<\/strong> – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced the full restoration of public internet access across the nation, a significant move signaling a return to normalcy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The development was announced by the Commission’s Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, during a press briefing at the UCC headquarters on Sunday afternoon, January 18th, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delivering his remarks, Thembo announced the immediate restoration of nationwide internet access, stating the directive follows the successful conclusion of the 2026 polls and a security committee assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The Commission has directed the immediate restoration of public internet access nationwide, effective today, January 18th, 2026,” announced Thembo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He emphasized that the “phased and responsible return to connectivity” fulfills the UCC’s mandate to balance national security with the public’s need for information, communication, and economic opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hon. Thembo provided context for the temporary suspension, describing it as a “necessary and proportionate step” taken on the strong recommendation of security agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He affirmed the measure was not taken lightly, but was intended to safeguard public order, prevent misinformation, curb fraud, and protect against incitement during the sensitive electoral period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Following the elections, we have restored general internet access. The temporary suspension was a necessary measure to protect national stability, but this phased return maintains restrictions on social media as we monitor the situation,” he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notably, social media and messaging apps remain restricted during this phased return, a measure Hon. Thembo said safeguards public order during the post-election transition, with the UCC monitoring the situation closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo issued a call for responsible digital citizenship, urging Ugandans to use the restored internet as a tool for development and connection, not destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He specifically cautioned against sharing unverified information or hate speech, stating that true freedom online comes with the responsibility to verify facts, respect others, and contribute to national unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UCC further warned that any attempts to use the restored access to organize disorder, spread falsehoods, or undermine stability would not be tolerated, as security agencies remain vigilant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced the full restoration of public internet access across<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9702,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,489,239],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9699","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-policies","category-security"],"yoast_head":"\nUganda Reconnects General Internet, Holds Back on Social Media Access -<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/westernpearlreports.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/18\/uganda-reconnects-general-internet-holds-back-on-social-media-access\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" 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