KAMPALA, Uganda –: In a bold escalation of digital control, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo has issued a chilling threat to citizens using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to circumvent the recent nationwide internet blackout.
Speaking on UBC TV, Thembo warned, “Those bypassing internet restrictions with VPNs, don’t be surprised that we may attack you & your device may not go on the network again.”
This comes as partial internet restoration begins today, marking the end of a five-day shutdown imposed ahead of the January 15 general elections.
“Social media platforms remain temporarily restricted”, said Nyombi Thembo.
The blackout, ordered by UCC on January 13 at 6:00 PM, suspended public internet access, SIM card sales, and outbound data roaming, exempting only essential services like healthcare and banking.
Government officials justified the move as necessary to combat “misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and related risks” during the polls, where President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his four-decade rule against challengers like Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).
Critics, however, decry it as a tactic to stifle opposition coordination and suppress dissent, echoing shutdowns in 2016 and 2021 that disrupted protests and information flow. Human rights groups have condemned the measures, highlighting their impact on freedom of expression and civic engagement. Access Now reported heightened fears with the blocking of Starlink services, potentially undermining electoral integrity. Amnesty International’s Tigere Chagutah criticized the shutdown for preventing violence incitement claims without evidence, while also noting a parallel crackdown on NGOs like the African Centre for Media Excellence.
Public reaction on social media has been swift and sardonic. X users mocked the irony of state broadcaster UBC posting the warning—likely via VPN—while many Ugandans remain offline. Replies questioned enforcement feasibility, with one user quipping, “Then who are you posting this for?” Economic fallout is significant; businesses reliant on online transactions report losses, and VPN signups surged over 8,000% in the shutdown’s first hour, per Proton VPN data.
Internationally, the move draws scrutiny amid Uganda’s history of media censorship. As restoration proceeds, questions linger: Will this deter digital resilience, or fuel further resistance? Watchdog Uganda will monitor developments closely, advocating for transparent governance in this pivotal post-election phase.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article
