The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a stern warning to internet users attempting to bypass remaining online restrictions using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), even as authorities continue to gradually restore internet services following the recent elections.
Limited internet access—mainly web browsing—was restored on Saturday night, four days after a nationwide shutdown imposed ahead of the January 15 presidential and parliamentary polls.
However, access to most social media platforms remains restricted for many users, pushing some to turn to VPNs to get online.
Addressing journalists, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said the regulator was reinstating services cautiously, stressing that the situation remained under close surveillance.
“The commission will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates on any further adjustments as circumstances prevail,” Nyombi said.
But the UCC boss used the briefing to deliver a blunt message to those using VPNs to evade the restrictions still in place, warning that such actions were well within the commission’s detection capabilities.
“Of course there are people who think that they can bypass these directives through usage of VPNs,” Nyombi said. “But I want to tell you that we have reasonable capabilities now—especially if you use that bypass to break the law—to attack your device directly.”
Nyombi cautioned that users who employ VPNs for illegal activities should not be shocked if decisive action is taken, including blocking their devices entirely from accessing internet services.
“If you use that bypass to break the law, our antennas are up,” he warned. “We may end up going for your device.”
He said devices found to be used for criminal activity could be permanently disabled from connecting to the network, noting that enforcement would be targeted rather than indiscriminate.
Drawing a distinction between casual use and criminal intent, Nyombi suggested that authorities were not interested in pursuing ordinary users seeking to communicate with family and friends.
“If you bypass the blockade to access social media only to connect with your loved ones, who cares?” he said. “But if you use it to break the law, don’t be surprised.”
Nyombi added that while the commission prefers to issue warnings before taking drastic measures, users should not mistake that restraint for weakness.
“We don’t wish to reach that level without notice,” he said, urging the public to exercise caution as internet access continues to be restored in phases.
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