Telecom operators MTN and Airtel are estimated to have lost nearly $7 million (UGX 24 billion) in data revenue following a four-day nationwide internet shutdown in Uganda, according to figures reported by CEO EastAfrica Media.
The revenue loss highlights how internet shutdowns carry significant economic consequences, affecting not just citizens and businesses but also the mobile network operators that rely heavily on data-driven services.
Connectivity Disruption Hits Daily Life and Digital Services
Throughout the shutdown period, Ugandans were unable to access social media platforms and digital financial services, triggering widespread inconvenience, frustration, and public criticism.
Key activities such as mobile money transactions, online payments, communication, and access to information were disrupted, reinforcing the central role of internet access in Uganda’s economy and everyday life.
Authorities Lift Social Media Restrictions
The reported losses coincide with the Ugandan government’s decision to fully restore access to social media platforms, ending restrictions imposed around the country’s recent general elections.
The announcement was made on Monday by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Force, via X (formerly Twitter). Social media access was restored 13 days after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered an internet blackout two days before the January 15 elections.
Muhoozi thanked citizens for complying with the restrictions, noting that their cooperation contributed to maintaining order during the electoral period.
MTN Confirms Internet and Social Media Restoration
MTN Uganda also confirmed the restoration in a public statement on X, informing customers that full internet access had resumed.
“Internet services are fully restored. You can now get back to what you love on WhatsApp, X (Twitter) and TikTok,” the operator said.
Following the announcement, users across the country regained access to major platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, among others.
Gradual Reopening of Internet Services
The return of social media access marked the final stage of Uganda’s phased approach to restoring full connectivity.
Five days after the initial shutdown, the government reinstated general internet access but maintained restrictions on social media and OTT messaging apps. During this period, access to news websites, educational platforms, government services, email, and financial applications was allowed.
Shortly after, MTN confirmed that mobile money services were back online, enabling users to resume deposits, withdrawals, and other transactions.
Government Explains Rationale for the Shutdown
Responding to criticism, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said the restrictions were implemented to limit the spread of misinformation and protect national security amid heightened political tension before the elections.
He added that the measure was intended to ensure a peaceful voting process and safeguard public order across the country.
Conclusion
While Ugandan authorities maintain that the internet shutdown was necessary for security reasons, the episode demonstrates the high economic cost of connectivity disruptions. With MTN and Airtel alone losing an estimated $7 million in data revenue, the shutdown illustrates how such measures can negatively impact telecom operators, digital commerce, and everyday life.
