UCC warns VPN users targeting Facebook: “We See Everything”
Facebook, along with other social media platforms, was initially banned by President Yoweri Museveni on January 11, 2021, just days before the presidential elections scheduled for January 14, 2021.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a stern warning to individuals circumventing the ban on Facebook using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), asserting that such actions do not grant immunity from legal repercussions. The commission emphasized its ability to monitor online activities and identify those responsible for content posted on the platform.
The warning comes from Dr. Waiswa Abudu, Director of Legal Affairs at the UCC, who stated during a joint press conference for stakeholders managing the upcoming 2026 general elections, “We know you are using VPN to access Facebook, but that does not mean you are immune to legal action. We see everything, and when the time comes we can identify who posted what.”
Facebook, along with other social media platforms, was initially banned by President Yoweri Museveni on January 11, 2021, just days before the presidential elections scheduled for January 14, 2021. While access to platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, and WhatsApp was later restored, Facebook has remained inaccessible through direct means, leading many Ugandans to rely on VPNs for access.
The ban was reportedly a retaliatory measure against Facebook, which had previously deactivated several accounts belonging to President Museveni’s supporters. President Museveni publicly accused the social media giant of “arrogance” and bias against the government.
“Facebook decided to block NRM message centers,” Museveni stated in his January 2021 address, referring to the ruling National Resistance Movement. He questioned the platform’s authority to determine acceptable discourse within Uganda, asserting, “We cannot tolerate this arrogance of anybody coming to decide for us who is good and who is bad.” He further insisted that any social media platform operating in Uganda must be used “equitably by everybody.”
The UCC’s latest statement signals a toughening stance on the enforcement of the Facebook ban, implying that the government’s monitoring capabilities extend to encrypted VPN traffic. The commission’s directive serves as a clear signal to citizens that their online activities, even when disguised, are subject to scrutiny and potential legal consequences. This development is likely to further intensify concerns about online freedoms and surveillance in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
