KAMPALA – The government on Wednesday, 10 February 2021 fully restored Internet services in the country nearly a month after they were cut off ahead of the January 14, 2021 elections.
Initially the government had restored only internet while social media remained blocked, with government arguing that people would use it to incite violence after the highly contested election.
But State Minister for ICT and National Guidance Peter Ogwang tweeted Wednesday that the services are now fully restored. He, however, warned against misusing it.
“Internet and Social media services have been fully restored. We apologize for the inconveniences caused, but it was for the security of our country. Let’s be constructive, NOT destructive consumers/users of social media,” Ogwang tweeted.
The restoration of internet and social media comes days after security forces announced dozens of arrests for alleged election-related violence, and surrounded the headquarters of the main opposition party, National Unity Platform (NUP) whose leader, Robert Kyagulanyi was last month confined to his home for several days.
Long-term leader Yoweri Musveni was declared the winner of a January 14 presidential election, securing 58.6 percent of the vote and a sixth term after 35 years in power.
His main rival, musician-turned-lawmaker Bobi Wine, came a distant second with 34.8 percent. He has rejected the results, and decried the election as a sham.
The outgoing Kyadondo East MP has petitioned the Supreme Court seeking to nullify Mr Museveni’s victory.
