A recent claim circulating on social media suggests that Uganda will enforce a second internet shutdown in January 2026, lasting for a month. However, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has dismissed this claim as false. The alleged shutdown was supposedly in response to individuals using virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass internet restrictions during the previous shutdown.
The claim originated from a screenshot of a tweet, which appeared to be from the UCC, stating that a second “internet lockdown” would be imposed due to “inconveniences caused by VPN internet bypassers.” The tweet was poorly written, with spelling errors and American English spelling conventions, raising suspicions about its authenticity.
The UCC has since denied the claim, stating that internet services have been restored following the general elections and a comprehensive security assessment. The commission emphasized that there is no directive for another shutdown and advised the public to confirm information from official UCC channels and verified statements before sharing.
It is worth noting that Uganda’s internet was previously shut down ahead of the general election, with access cut from January 13 and restored several days after voting. The authorities had justified the restrictions on national security grounds. The use of VPNs allowed some individuals to stay online during the restrictions, which may have prompted the fake claim of another shutdown.
The UCC’s dismissal of the claim has been posted on their official social media account, warning the public about the spread of misinformation. The commission’s statement serves as a reminder to verify information through official channels to avoid spreading false news. With the restoration of internet services, Ugandans can continue to access online information without restrictions. The UCC’s clarification has helped to alleviate concerns and maintain stability in the country’s online community.
