Tag: Museveni news

After nearly 100 hours in the digital dark, Ugandans are officially back online following a government-ordered internet shutdown that kicked off ahead of the country’s presidential elections.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) confirmed that full internet access was restored on the evening of Saturday, January 17, just hours after the Electoral Commission announced the final presidential results.

Why the Internet Went Dark

The blackout began at exactly 6:00 pm on January 13 and was rolled out as a precautionary security measure ahead of the January 15 polls. Authorities said the shutdown was meant to curb the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and online activity that could threaten public order or national security during the tense election period.

Museveni Declared Winner

Incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was declared the winner after securing 71.65% of the vote — roughly 7.9 million ballots. His main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, garnered 24.72%, translating to about 2.7 million votes.

With the results now public, internet services have been switched back on, allowing citizens to flood social media and messaging platforms with reactions, debate, and commentary after days of enforced silence.

What Was Affected

Under the UCC directive, all licensed telecom operators and internet service providers were ordered to suspend public internet access. The shutdown affected:

• Mobile data services

• Fibre optic and fixed wireless connections

• Leased lines and microwave radio links

• Satellite internet services

The sale and registration of new SIM cards were also suspended, alongside outbound data roaming within the One Network Area.

Services That Stayed Online

Despite the sweeping blackout, several critical services remained operational under strict controls. These included national referral hospital systems, core banking and interbank transfers, government payment platforms, and Uganda Revenue Authority tax services.

Key government infrastructure — such as immigration systems, voter verification platforms, election result transmission networks, and electoral databases — continued to run on restricted, non-public internet connections.

Essential utilities like electricity, water supply, fuel distribution, aviation control, railway signalling, and transport systems were also kept online through secured channels. Cybersecurity and network monitoring centres were similarly exempt.

Social Media Was Strictly Blocked

During the shutdown, the UCC made it clear that access to social media and messaging apps was completely prohibited. Telecom operators were instructed to enforce tight controls using private networks, whitelisted IP addresses, and secured VPNs limited to approved systems. Mobile VPN services were fully disabled.

With connectivity restored, Ugandans are once again plugged into the digital world — and the online conversation around the election results is already in full swing.

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has put an emphatic end to weeks of intense public speculation about his health by making a spirited public appearance at a rally in Adjumani on Monday, October 20. The rally served as a powerful dismissal of rumours that had intensified following the 81-year-old Head of State’s prolonged absence from key public events, including reports of him missing the state burial of Kenyan former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Addressing a large gathering at Paridi Stadium, President Museveni demonstrated his characteristic vigour, walking from his car upon arrival and later speaking from a specially designed vehicle while standing—a clear visual signal of his good health ahead of the January 2026 General Elections.

“I thank the people of Adjumani for the warm welcome. As I conclude engaging our people in West Nile, I submit that there’s no question or fear of contradiction on these facts. I thank the people of Pakwach, Nebbi, Zombo, Obongi, Madi-Okollo, Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, Moyo, Terego, Maracha, and Adjumani for the warmth and support. Continue supporting NRM, and we shall do even more,” the President stated, highlighting his commitment to the region.

Missing Raila Odinga’s Burial Fuelled Speculation

The rumours about the President’s well-being peaked last week, particularly after he missed the state funeral of his long-time ally Raila Odinga, alongside his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu. Uganda sent a high-level delegation, led by former Prime Minister and Special Envoy Ruhakana Rugunda, who delivered Museveni’s condolence message describing Odinga as a distinguished statesman.

Despite photos circulating on social media suggesting he was unwell, the President’s appearance in Adjumani, where he took questions and addressed a wide variety of topics, aimed to dispel the concerns and reaffirm his readiness for the political contest ahead.

Eyes on the 2026 Ballot

The Adjumani rally marks a critical phase in Museveni’s campaign for a sixth full term, extending his nearly 40-year hold on power. His appearance comes shortly after the Ugandan Electoral Commission confirmed his place on the January 2026 presidential ballot, following his endorsement by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in June.

The President’s campaign is heavily focused on the country’s economic progress, claiming Uganda’s GDP has doubled from USD 34 billion to USD 66 billion in the last five years, with a pledge to push that figure to USD 500 billion in the next term.

The upcoming presidential polls are set for January 12, where Museveni is expected to face renewed pressure from his fiercest rival, popular musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine. Wine, who was also cleared to run in September, remains Museveni’s most significant threat, having pushed the incumbent close in the 2021 election.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has tested negative for COVID-19 after 11 days of battling the virus.

In a statement on Sunday, Museveni said that he had initially ignored the symptoms of the virus, but after developing a runny nose, he decided to get tested. The results came back positive.

Museveni said that he was then examined by a doctor, who found that he had very low levels of vitamin D and vitamin B12. These conditions, Museveni said, predisposed him to a more severe case of COVID-19.

“Unbelievable! My vitamin D levels were very low, my vitamin B12 were very low etc. Imagine the President of Uganda is malnourished to the detriment of his life,” Museveni said.

Museveni said that he immediately started taking vitamins and that his condition soon improved. He also received the COVID-19 vaccine and a booster shot.

“I immediately started taking the vitamins and soon that front was robust. Then we had the immunization and boosters,” Museveni said.

Museveni said that he is grateful to God for his recovery and that he urges all Ugandans to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has tested positive for COVID-19, the Ministry of Health announced on Friday.

Museveni, 77, said he had been feeling unwell for a few days and had taken a COVID-19 test, which came back positive. He said he was isolating at his home in Nakasero and was receiving treatment.

“I have been very cautious with corona but recently I had to stop using face masks because they were giving me adverse reactions in the eyes and throat,” Museveni said in a tweet. “Therefore, I have secluded myself at Nakasero and have given the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabanjja, responsibility for today and tomorrow (Heroes’ Day in Luwero).”

Museveni said he had been experiencing mild symptoms, including a fever and a cough. He said he was confident that he would make a full recovery.

“Remember when I had vocal problems twice during the election? It is a component of the allergy. Thus, I have received the second forced leave in the 53 years since we began the battle against Idi Amin. Another occasion was when I had sinus issues and had to be inactive for a few days at Mweya,” he said.

Museveni is the first sitting African head of state to test positive for COVID-19. He is also the oldest person to test positive for the virus.

The announcement of Museveni’s diagnosis comes as Uganda is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases. The country has reported over 100,000 cases and over 3,000 deaths since the pandemic began.

Museveni’s diagnosis has raised concerns about the spread of the virus in Uganda. However, the government has said that it is taking steps to contain the virus, including increasing testing and contact tracing.

Museveni has been in power for over 35 years and is Africa’s longest-serving president. He is widely expected to run for re-election in 2026.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has defied calls to repeal an anti-LGBTQ law he signed this week. The law, which was passed by the Ugandan parliament in December, imposes a life sentence on anyone convicted of “aggravated homosexuality.”

In a statement, Museveni said that the law was “a done deal” and that “no one will change our action.” He also warned that Uganda was “ready for war” if the international community continued to pressure the country to repeal the law.

The law has been met with widespread criticism from Western nations and human rights groups. US President Joe Biden called the law “an appalling violation of human rights for all” and said that the US was considering sanctions against Uganda. The European Union and the head of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, have also condemned the law.

Museveni, who has been in power for 35 years, has a history of making anti-LGBTQ statements. In 2014, he said that LGBTQ people should be “burned alive.”

The new law has sparked fears of a crackdown on LGBTQ people in Uganda. Human rights groups have warned that the law could lead to violence and discrimination against LGBTQ people.

It remains to be seen how the international community will respond to Museveni’s defiance. The US and the EU have said that they are considering sanctions against Uganda, but it is unclear if they will follow through on these threats.

The situation in Uganda is a reminder of the challenges facing LGBTQ people around the world. Despite progress in some countries, there are still many places where LGBTQ people are persecuted and discriminated against.