After nearly 6 years of being blocked, Ugandans can now access Facebook + Messenger normally without VPN as Friday June 12th, 2026.
Facebook has returned to its roots, bringing back original features like pokes, wall posts, and dedicated feeds that priotize posts from real connections over recommended viral content. Additionally, facebook and Messenger are fully operational following recent brief technical outages.
Facebook was blocked since Jan 2021; the government shut it down before the 2021 elections, citing Meta's interference + need for "new guidelines." Facebook was unblocked on June 12th, 2026; Users oN MTN, Airtel, Wifi etc started logging in directly . No VPN needed. Reports came in Friday evening.
Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara welcomed the development and encouraged Ugandans to use social media responsibly. He also called for support for president Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, praying for wisdom and strength in leadership.He further expressed support for President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, wishing them wisdom and strength in their leadership roles.