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Internet Restored in Uganda, But MTN and Airtel Mobile Money Services Still Down
Internet was restored in Uganda after a tense nationwide shutdown during the general elections, but MTN and Airtel mobile money services are still down, leaving many people in financial trouble. The Ugandan Communications Commission (UCC) made the announcement on Sunday, right after the elections ended on January 15. This brings some relief, but not full freedom online.
The government had cut off internet access across the country on Tuesday, just before the polls. They said it was for security reasons, to stop fake news and keep things calm during high political tensions. UCC boss Nyombi Thembo explained that the move helped the elections go peacefully. He shared this on local TV, stressing it protected the peace for all Ugandans.
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People went nearly five days without the internet. This shutdown happened soon after Starlink, the satellite service owned by Elon Musk, had to stop working because of rules it did not follow. Now, with the internet restored in Uganda, basic things like browsing websites, reading news, using school resources, visiting government sites, checking emails, and some financial tools are back. But social media and apps for messaging stay blocked.
Thembo made it clear: “Social media platforms and messaging apps, called OTT services, are still restricted for now. This is to stop misuse that could harm public order.” NetBlocks, a group that watches internet issues, checked on Sunday and confirmed these blocks are still there, even after the vote count.
President Yoweri Museveni won the election with 72% of votes, beating Bobi Wine’s 25%. This gives him another five years in power, after four decades already. Many hoped for full internet access once results came out. Instead, Ugandans face big problems because MTN and Airtel mobile money services are still down.
Mobile money is key in Uganda for sending cash, buying food, paying for rides, or handling surprises like medical needs. Without it, folks can’t get their money. This causes real financial distress. On X (once Twitter), users like @kyazze12315 said, “We cannot access Airtel Ug and MTN Ug withdrawals.” Families struggle to buy daily food or fuel for transport.
MTN replied to one worried post on Monday. They said it’s sad, but “Mobile Money restrictions are still in place as per UCC directive.” No clear end date yet, which adds more worry. OvetiLabs Tech System, a local AI and software firm, told Technext the same: MTN and Airtel mobile money services still down, no access.
This outage hits hard. People can’t do normal tasks that need money transfers. Frustration grows as days pass. Critics slammed the full shutdown before, and now this half-fix fuels more anger. Everyday life stalls without these services.
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UCC warns against tricks to get around blocks. Many think VPNs can help reach mobile money or social media. But Thembo said no. “We can spot VPN users now,” he warned on Sunday. “If you break the law with them, we may hit your device. It could stay offline forever. We don’t want to do this without telling you first. Be careful.”
Restoring Internet in Uganda is a step forward, but MTN and Airtel mobile money services still down keeps pain alive. Citizens wait for full normalcy. No word yet on when money apps reopen or social media returns. Thembo ties it to keeping order post-election. As Uganda moves on, the balance between safety and daily needs stays tricky. People hope for quick fixes to ease the strain.
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