BREAKING: Uganda Restores Facebook Access After Nearly Six Years of Restrictions

Ugandans were surprised on Friday after many users reported being able to access Facebook without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), raising speculation that the government may have lifted the platform’s nearly six-year restriction.

Reports of restored access quickly spread across social media, with users on different mobile and internet networks saying they could open Facebook normally for the first time since the platform was blocked in January 2021.

The development was welcomed by many internet users, while others questioned whether the change was permanent or the result of a temporary technical adjustment.

Among the first government officials to comment was Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara, who appeared to confirm the restoration of access. In a post on X, he thanked President Yoweri Museveni for what he described as the unfreezing of Facebook and urged Ugandans to use the platform responsibly.

Balaam called on users to avoid spreading misinformation, engaging in abusive conduct, or publishing content that could harm national security and the economy. He encouraged citizens to use social media to market businesses, share useful information, and contribute positively to national development.

He also praised President Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, praying for wisdom, strength, and good health as they continue to lead the country.

The return of Facebook sparked mixed reactions online. While some users celebrated the development, others noted that they had long since moved on to other platforms after years of relying on VPNs to access Facebook.

Media personality Douglas Lwanga was among those who reacted, saying it felt strange returning to a platform many users had abandoned years ago. Others described the restoration as welcome news, saying they had avoided Facebook because they disliked using VPNs.

Some users also viewed the move through a political lens, arguing that it showed the government could address concerns about misinformation without keeping the platform blocked indefinitely.

Facebook was restricted in Uganda in January 2021 ahead of the general elections. The government accused the platform of allowing the spread of misinformation and interfering in the country’s political processes after Facebook removed accounts linked to networks it said were engaged in coordinated inauthentic behaviour.

Authorities later imposed broader restrictions on social media and internet access during the election period, citing national security concerns and the need to prevent the spread of false information.

At the time, President Museveni accused Facebook of bias and foreign interference, arguing that the company was unfairly targeting groups aligned with the government. Officials also maintained that foreign technology companies should not determine how political communication is conducted in Uganda.

Despite the growing reports of restored access, there had been no official statement from the Uganda Communications Commission by Saturday morning confirming whether the restriction had been permanently lifted or explaining the reason behind the change.