The government of Uganda has restored access to Facebook after several years of restrictions, with users on different internet networks reporting that they can log in without relying on virtual private networks (VPNs).
By Friday evening, many users said they were able to browse the platform normally using both mobile data and Wi‑Fi, prompting widespread discussion about whether the long-standing limitation had quietly been removed.
Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara welcomed the development and encouraged Ugandans to use social media responsibly.
“Thank you Principal for unfreezing Facebook. I urge all users to use this platform responsibly by avoiding violations, misinformation, and disrespectful posts that undermine our leaders, fellow citizens, national security, and the economy. Let us use social media to promote our goods and services, foster constructive engagement, and mobilise communities for national development, not for demobilisation,” Balaam wrote on X.
He also called for support for President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, praying for wisdom and strength in leadership.
He further expressed support for President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, wishing them wisdom and strength in their leadership roles.
“May the Lord bless our President, H.E. @KagutaMuseveni, and chairman General @mkainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, as they continue to serve our nation. May God grant them wisdom, strength, and good health as they lead Uganda towards peace, stability, and prosperity,” he added.
News of the renewed access sparked conversation on X, where users shared reactions ranging from excitement and nostalgia to scepticism and political analysis.
Several users celebrated being able to access Facebook again after years of relying on workarounds.
“I have just accessed Facebook again, after 5 years. It didn’t require me to use VPN,” said one user, Canary Mugume.
Uganda restricted Facebook access in January 2021 ahead of the general elections.
Authorities said the platform was being used to spread misinformation and interfere in electoral processes after Facebook removed accounts linked to government-aligned networks over coordinated inauthentic behaviour.
The government later expanded restrictions to broader social media and internet access during the election period, citing national security concerns and the need to control false information.
President Yoweri Museveni at the time accused Facebook of bias and foreign interference, arguing that the platform was acting unfairly against Uganda’s interests. Government officials also insisted that foreign tech companies could not dictate political communication in the country.
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