Mobile money services 'fully restored' after election shutdown

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Telecom operators in Uganda say mobile money services are now 'fully restored'.

The partial shutdown of the services started two days before the General Election held on January 15, 2026.

Telecoms this morning sent out text messages to subscribers confirming the restoration of mobile money services, signalling a gradual return to normal digital operations after days of restricted connectivity imposed during the General Election period.

The restoration brings relief to millions of mobile money users who rely on the system for daily business, payments and household transactions.

The shutdown also affected Internet connectivity across Uganda, with regulator Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) saying it was necessary, proportionate and guided by national security considerations.

Addressing the media on January 18, at UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala city, regulator executive director Nyombi Thembo announced the restoration of public Internet access across the country, effective January 18, 2026, following the conclusion of the elections and a security assessment by the Interagency Security Committee.

Nyombi said the restoration followed consultations with security agencies and was carried out in line with international principles of proportionality and legitimate aim.

“I am pleased to announce that following the successful conclusion of the 2026 general elections and a careful assessment by the Interagency Security Committee, the Uganda Communications Commission directed the immediate restoration of public internet access,” he said.

Social media still blocked

As of midnight on January 17, general Internet services were fully restored, allowing access to websites, news platforms, educational resources, government portals, financial services and email. This restoration paved the way for telecom operators to reinstate mobile money platforms, which depend heavily on stable internet connectivity.

However, Nyombi said access to social media platforms and over-the-top messaging applications remains temporarily restricted.

“The continued restriction of social media is intended to guard against misuse that could threaten public order,” he said, adding that the Commission would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as circumstances evolve.

He warned users against attempting to bypass the remaining restrictions through virtual private networks (VPNs), cautioning that authorities have the technical capacity to detect and act against illegal activity carried out through such tools.

“If you bypass these restrictions and use that bypass to break the law, do not be surprised if your device is blocked from the network,” Nyombi said, stressing that enforcement would focus on unlawful conduct rather than ordinary communication.