Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo has issued a stern warning to Ugandans bypassing ongoing internet restrictions using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), saying the government may take measures that could permanently knock some devices off the national network.
Speaking during a live discussion on UBC Television today on the status of internet restoration, Thembo said Ugandans should not assume they will escape monitoring simply by switching to VPNs.
“Those bypassing internet restrictions with VPNs — don’t be surprised that we may attack you and your device may not go on the network again,” he cautioned.
Partial Restoration Still in Effect
Uganda is entering its first week since the January 15 general election, during which the government ordered widespread internet restrictions affecting social media apps and messaging platforms.
While mobile data and broadband services have gradually returned, several platforms remain inaccessible without circumvention tools.
Thembo said the restrictions are still temporary and strategic, aimed at maintaining “national stability, public order, and cybersecurity,” adding that UCC was working in phases with telecom operators to fully restore normal service.
Government Defends Measures
The UCC chief insisted the shutdown was necessary, describing it as a “measured response” to what the state called coordinated misinformation and foreign interference during the election period.
“We are not operating randomly. Every restriction we take has reasons grounded in national security,” he said.
He argued that Ugandans must recognize that the internet exists within regulated national jurisdiction and “is not a free-for-all platform,” especially in politically sensitive periods.
Critics Push Back
Opposition figures, human rights activists and civil society groups have condemned the continued restrictions, saying the move is unconstitutional, disproportionately harms citizens and businesses, and violates communication rights.
Digital literacy advocates have also described Thembo’s remarks as threatening, warning it could escalate fears of government surveillance and erode trust between the state and the tech community.
Use of VPNs Surges
The threat comes amid a massive spike in VPN downloads across Uganda, with millions turning to encryption tools to access: WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, X/Twitter and independent news websites.
Internet freedom analysts note that while governments can block VPN endpoints or throttle encrypted traffic, remotely disabling devices raises legal and logistical questions.
What Happens Next
Thembo reassured the public that normal service would return “soon,” but did not offer a precise timeline.
Meanwhile, financial analysts warn that every day of restricted traffic drains millions from business, particularly in media, e-commerce, payments, and the gig economy.
