VPN usage soars in Uganda as internet access returns – but privacy tools may be under attack

Authorities in Uganda have threatened to block the use of the best VPNs as internet censorship continues in the country.

Internet connectivity is gradually being restored following five days of blackout, during which time controversial government elections were taking place. However, social media and messaging platforms remain heavily restricted and VPN usage is skyrocketing as Ugandans look to access these apps.

Proton VPN reported usage was at "an all-time high," but authorities said they are monitoring the use of VPNs.

Attacking devices directly

Internet connectivity began returning to Uganda overnight between January 17-18, 2026, but reports suggest numerous social media and messaging platforms – including Telegram, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook – continue to be blocked.

As a result, many Ugandans are turning to VPNs to bypass restrictions and access these apps. Via the Proton VPN Observatory, Proton VPN reported an increase in VPN sign ups 3,000% over the baseline.

In a tweet, Proton VPN General Manager, David Peterson, said Proton VPN usage in Uganda has hit an "all-time high."

However, this VPN surge has not gone unnoticed. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), issued a warning to VPN users bypassing internet restrictions.

According to reports, Thembo is quoted as saying authorities have "reasonable capabilities" to attack devices directly. Thembo reportedly stressed only those breaking the law would be targeted, but no examples were given of what said law breaking would look like.

He said those breaking the law shouldn't be surprised if action was taken against them. Blocking access to internet services and disabling access to networks altogether were two ways authorities said VPN use could be targeted.

Thembo was quoted as saying authorities didn't care if people were using VPNs to contact loved ones, but said "antennas are up" for those breaking the law. "We may end up going for your device," Thembo said.

Despite Thembo's comments, we'd urge anyone using a VPN in Uganda to exercise caution. Using tools such as Proton VPN's Guest Mode – where no account is needed to sign-up – and the discreet icon feature are ways of hiding your VPN usage should you need to.

Why are restrictions in place in Uganda?

Uganda shut down the internet for five days between January 13-18, 2026. This coincided with the country's presidential and parliamentary elections, the results of which have been disputed.

The shutdown is nation-wide and authorities said it was in place "to mitigate the rapid spread of misinformation."

This is not Uganda's first step into internet censorship. According to the Surfshark Internet Shutdown Tracker, it has carried out seven disruptions since 2015 – five of those were surrounding elections.

According to Top10VPN.com, the economic cost of the current shutdown was $16 million, with ongoing social media blocks costing $8.6 million.