By Afrireport 
Internet access in Uganda has been partially restored following a days long nationwide shutdown imposed during last week’s general election.
According to independent internet monitoring organization NetBlocks.
The disruption began ahead of polling day. It cut off millions of Ugandans from social media platforms and messaging services. Large parts of the global web were also affected. This triggered criticism from rights groups, businesses, and opposition figures.
NetBlocks reported that while connectivity has resumed across several networks, access remains inconsistent and restricted. Some platforms are still unreachable. Others are experiencing severe throttling.
The organization said the restoration appears uneven. This suggests that authorities may still be exercising controls over traffic flows and specific online services.
The Ugandan government ordered the shutdown. They cited national security concerns. They also mentioned the need to maintain public order during the highly contested election.
Officials argued that limiting online communication would prevent the spread of misinformation and curb potential unrest.
However, critics say the blackout undermined transparency, restricted freedom of expression, and interfered with election observation efforts.
During the shutdown, banks, mobile money services, online traders and media houses reported significant losses as operations ground to a halt.
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Ordinary citizens also struggled to communicate with family members, access news, or conduct daily business in an economy increasingly dependent on digital platforms.
Civil society groups described the move as collective punishment that disproportionately affected young people and small businesses.
Opposition leaders accused the government of using the internet blackout to suppress scrutiny of the electoral process and to limit the circulation of results from polling stations.
International observers and digital rights organizations echoed these concerns, warning that election related shutdowns are becoming a troubling trend across parts of Africa.
As connectivity gradually returns, attention is now shifting to whether full access will be restored without further conditions.
NetBlocks noted that continued monitoring will be necessary to determine if remaining restrictions are lifted completely in the coming days.
The partial restoration has reignited debate about internet freedom in Uganda, with activists calling for legal safeguards to prevent future shutdowns.
For many Ugandans, the episode has highlighted how vulnerable digital rights remain during politically sensitive moments and how easily the country can be plunged offline.
