Social media is officially back in Uganda after the Chief of Defence Forces and First Son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, ordered the full restoration of all major platforms, bringing an end to weeks of government-imposed internet restrictions.
Following the directive, telecom giants MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda on Monday morning confirmed that internet access, including social media and messaging applications, had been fully restored.
MTN Uganda announced the update in a customer notice, telling users they could now freely access WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.
“Y’ello our dear customers 💛 Internet services are fully restored. You can now get back to what you love on WhatsApp, X (Twitter) and TikTok. Dial 1002# to activate your preferred data bundle and enjoy our services,” MTN posted.
Airtel Uganda also confirmed the development in a separate statement.
“Customer Notice: We are pleased to announce that complete internet connectivity has been restored, including social media and messaging apps. You can now start using the internet including WhatsApp, X (Twitter) and TikTok,” Airtel said.
The restoration follows a statement posted by Gen Muhoozi on X on Monday morning, in which he thanked Ugandans for their patience during the election period and confirmed that all social media access had been released.
“We are releasing all social media today. I thank all the great people of Uganda for their support and cooperation throughout this electoral season. You are truly the greatest people on earth, and you give us all the courage to serve. God bless you all,” Muhoozi wrote.
After the elections, internet access was restored gradually. Essential services and institutions were the first to regain connectivity, followed by partial access for businesses and private users. However, major social media platforms such as WhatsApp, X, Facebook and TikTok remained inaccessible until this final announcement.
Government officials, however, defended the move, saying it was necessary to curb misinformation, incitement and potential violence during a sensitive political period.
We are releasing all social media today. I thank all the great people of Uganda for their support and co-operation throughout this electoral season. You are truly the greatest people on earth and you give us all the courage to serve. Godbless you all.
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) January 26, 2026
