Mobile financial services have finally resumed across Uganda, days after authorities enforced a sweeping digital blackout in the lead-up to the 15 January 2026 general elections, reports state.
Major telecom operators MTN and Airtel confirmed that their mobile money platforms were fully operational, ending a week of severe financial paralysis.
While the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) had announced a phased restoration of the public internet on Sunday, critical payment gateways remained inaccessible until now, leaving millions of individuals and businesses in a state of economic limbo.
MTN Uganda signaled the return to normalcy through a direct customer broadcast stating, “Kindly note that Mobile Money services have been restored. Please proceed with your transactions and share your feedback.”
This breakthrough allows users to once again deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds—essential functions in a country where mobile money serves as the primary engine for the digital economy.
The prolonged suspension had created immense strain, particularly for those in remote areas who rely on digital wallets for daily necessities, healthcare, and urgent business expenses.
Despite the resumption of financial services, the digital landscape remains heavily regulated.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo clarified that while general web browsing, news portals, and educational resources are back online, social media and over-the-top (OTT) messaging apps like WhatsApp and TikTok continue to be blocked.
“In line with the directive issued to all licensed mobile network operators and internet service providers, social media platforms and messaging OTT applications remain temporarily restricted to continue safeguarding against misuse that could threaten public order,” Thembo explained.
This decision has sparked ongoing frustration, as these tools are vital for both communication and commerce.
The shutdown also highlighted a significant lack of transparency regarding the chain of command.
MTN Uganda initially attributed the mobile money block to a UCC directive but later issued a correction, revealing that the Bank of Uganda (BoU) had actually ordered the restriction.
“We apologise for the earlier misinformation,” the telecom noted, confirming the Central Bank’s role in the lockout. To mitigate the fallout, MTN has promised to compensate data subscribers whose plans expired during the blackout, with technical teams currently analyzing data to determine the appropriate payouts within one week.
These digital restrictions served as a tense backdrop to the 15 January polls, which saw President Yoweri Museveni declared the winner with 72% of the vote. His primary challenger, Bobi Wine, secured 25% but has since contested the results.
While the restoration of mobile money is a vital step toward economic recovery, the continued suppression of social media serves as a reminder of the fragility of digital rights during periods of political sensitivity.
For now, Ugandans are navigating a “new normal” where financial mobility has returned, even if their digital voices remain partially silenced.