MTN and Airtel have restored mobile money services in Uganda, seven days after authorities imposed restrictions on internet and digital financial services ahead of the country’s general elections.
The restoration follows an earlier announcement by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on Sunday confirming that public internet access had been reinstated nationwide. However, at the time, access to mobile money platforms and social media services remained restricted, causing widespread disruption for individuals and businesses that rely on digital payments.
Mobile Money Services Resume
MTN Uganda confirmed the restoration of its mobile money services in a message sent to customers on Tuesday.
“Kindly note that Mobile Money services have been restored. Please proceed with your transactions and share your feedback,” the telecom operator said.
With services now live, users can once again deposit funds, make withdrawals, transfer money, and carry out other transactions across both MTN and Airtel mobile money platforms.
The prolonged restriction had caused significant financial strain for many Ugandans, particularly those who depend on mobile money for daily expenses, business transactions, and access to essential services.
What Remained Restricted After Internet Restoration
Although the UCC announced the restoration of internet access on Sunday, the regulator clarified that access was initially limited to essential services. According to UCC Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo, restored services included web browsing, access to news websites, educational resources, government portals, financial services, and email.
Social media platforms and over-the-top (OTT) messaging applications, however, remained restricted.
“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 said.
This partial restoration left many users frustrated, as mobile money services — a critical part of Uganda’s digital economy — were still unavailable at the time.
Confusion Over Who Ordered the Shutdown
The shutdown also sparked confusion over which authority was responsible for restricting mobile money services. Earlier, MTN Uganda had stated that the UCC issued the directive blocking access.
However, the telecom operator later clarified that the restriction was imposed by the Bank of Uganda (BoU), not the communications regulator.
“We apologise for the earlier misinformation,” MTN said, noting that the mobile money restrictions were issued by the Central Bank.
The clarification came after days of customer complaints and growing public pressure over the lack of access to digital financial services.
Compensation for Affected Data Subscribers
MTN Uganda also addressed concerns from customers whose data subscriptions expired during the shutdown period. According to the company, subscribers affected by the disruption will receive compensation once an internal review is completed.
“Please note that our technical team is currently analysing the data to determine the appropriate compensation for each affected customer. We expect this process to be completed within one week,” the operator said in response to complaints on X.
Political Context and Ongoing Restrictions
The restrictions were imposed in the lead-up to Uganda’s general election, which concluded on Thursday. President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner, securing another five-year term after receiving 72% of the vote, compared to opposition candidate Bobi Wine, who garnered 25%.
While mobile money services have now been restored, access to major social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok remains officially restricted, according to authorities.
The episode has renewed debate around the economic and social costs of digital shutdowns, particularly in countries where mobile money plays a central role in daily life. For many Ugandans, the restoration of mobile money services marks a critical step toward returning to normal economic activity, even as broader internet restrictions persist.
