How Africa News
Internet services returned to Uganda on Wednesday following an almost month-long, near-total blackout ahead of the country’s general elections.
Minister of State for Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance Peter Ogwang said the internet shutdown imposed on January 13 for alleged national security reasons had been fully lifted.
“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,” he tweeted.
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. @UCC_Official @UgandaMediaCent @MoICT_Ug
— Peter Ogwang (@OgwangOgwang) February 10, 2021
According to a report by local publication Daily Monitor, this restoration comes days after security forces announced dozens of arrests for alleged election-related violence. Last month, security forces had surrounded the headquarters of the main opposition party, National Unity Platform (NUP) whose leader, Robert Kyagulanyi (known as Bobi Wine) had been confined to his home for several days.
Long-time President Yoweri Museveni won a sixth term in office after the January 14 presidential election, securing 58.6 percent of the votes. His main rival, Bobi Wine, secured 34.8 percent of the votes although he rejected the results and termed the elections as a sham.
