According to Freedom House, internet users in Uganda have limited online freedom. Most notably, citizens have been arrest for criticising the the president. The government has also imposed restrictions on social media platforms and instant messaging services. That’s why it’s so important to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in Uganda. In doing so, you can bypass content restrictions and do so securely and anonymously.
A VPN is a service that routes your internet traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel to a server in your preferred location. This tricks websites and services into thinking you’re browsing from a different location, unblocking them in the process. The encryption used makes it almost impossible for hackers or government agencies to snoop on your online activity.
We go into greater detail below, but if you only have time for a summary, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Uganda:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for Uganda. 5,000+ servers worldwide. Top speeds for streaming and torrenting. Specialty servers as well as 24-hour support.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly. - Surfshark: Best value VPN. High-speed servers and unlimited simultaneous connections. Excellent apps and 24/7 support. Secure with MultiHop servers.
- ExpressVPN: Vast network of speedy servers. Apps for all major platforms that are private and secure. Keeps no identifiable information of its users.
- CyberGhost: Some of the fastest servers we’ve tested. Apps are private, secure and beginner-friendly. Ideal for novice users in Uganda.
- IPVanish: Good reputation for privacy and getting around internet restrictions. Fast servers as well as unlimited simultaneous connections.
- PrivateVPN: Powerful unblocker of streaming services and more than fast enough for streaming. Beginner-friendly apps and a true no-logs policy.
Many VPNs claim to work with streaming services but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock streaming services and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
TRY THE TOP VPN FOR UGANDA RISK-FREE
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Uganda with no restrictions for a month - perfect if you need a little time to test it out for yourself.
There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
The best VPNs for Uganda
Not all VPNs are fast enough for more bandwidth-intensive activities and some don’t offer sufficient security and privacy protection. That’s why it’s so important to choose a VPN that is able to fulfil certain key criteria.
In this article, we reveal the best VPNs for Uganda based on the following factors:
- Servers available in countries worldwide
- Fast, reliable speeds
- Strong encryption and additional security factors
- A strict no-logs policy
- At least six simultaneous connections
- Money-back guarantee so you can try risk-free
1. NordVPN
Dec 2024 Works in UgandaTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our #1 choice for Uganda. It has a vast server network with well over 5,000 servers across 60 countries. As such, you’ll have no trouble finding a fast server close to your physical location. It also means it’s easy to bypass restrictions including internet censorship. NordVPN has its own protocol called NordLynx which is known for its fast and consistent speeds — ideal for streaming (it works well with Netflix, for example).
You can browse the web securely and privately thanks to NordVPN’s military-grade encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and kill switch feature. A no-logs service (this has been independently audited), NordVPN even has specialty P2P and Double VPN servers. You can use this VPN service to connect up to six devices at the same time. You’ll also have 24-hour access to live chat and email support.
NordVPN’s apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. To use it with routers, you’ll need to manually configure a connection.
Pros:
- Excellent security and encryption standards
- Strict no-logs policy ideal for privacy-conscious users
- Operates a network of more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries
- Specialty P2P and Onion Over VPN servers
- 24/7 live chat can help get you started
-
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Single month plan is fairly expensive
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR UGANDA:NordVPN offers a large server network of fast connections. Works well with many popular streaming services, Netflix included. Specialty P2P and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support. Thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Works in UgandaTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has established itself as one of the biggest VPN providers around. Offering some 3,000+ servers in 100 countries, it’s well placed to unblock a wide range of geo-restricted content such as that of Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus. Surfshark is also one of the faster VPNs we’ve tested, making it ideal for streaming. Better still, you can use a single account to connect all of your devices simultaneously.
If you’re worried about your online security while in Uganda and while traveling abroad, Surfshark should put your mind at rest. Aside from 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, it offers MultiHop servers which encrypt your data twice. It also operates a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your privacy is protected. Surfshark’s apps are beginner-friendly although 24/7 support is at hand if you need it.
You can download Surfshark apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox. While compatible with select routers, manual configuration is required.
Pros:
- Large network of servers covering 100 countries (and counting)
- Very fast server speeds combined with unlimited bandwidth
- MultiHop (Double VPN) servers for an extra layer of security
- Connect as many devices as you like at the same time
- Live chat and email support 24 hours a day
Cons:
- Sometimes slow to switch to another server
Our score:
BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark is fast with servers covering 100 countries. Security includes encryption and even MultiHop servers for use in Uganda and when traveling abroad. Unlimited simultaneous connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Works in UgandaTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN offers a wide number of options across the globe. At the time of writing, over 3,000 servers are spread across 94 countries. If you’re looking to stream geo-restricted content, then ExpressVPN is a worthy choice. It evades the Netflix ban on VPNs with ease and is similarly compatible with BBC iPlayer and Hulu. This VPN service also supports torrenting and is more than fast enough for this.
You don’t need to worry about your data being shared or stolen because ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users. Further, internet traffic is 256-bit AES encrypted and protected from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. It also has a kill switch which cuts your internet traffic should the VPN connection drop. ExpressVPN’s live chat and email support is available 24 hours a day.
Secure up to 8 devices at once with ExpressVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You also have the option of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions, as well as custom firmware for routers.
Pros:
- Best-in-class encryption makes for solid security and privacy
- Operates a network of 3,000+ servers spanning 94 countries
- Blazing-fast servers for streaming and downloading
- Support staff can assist with connections, available 24/7 via chat
- Now allows up to 8 simultaneous connections
Cons:
- More expensive than others on this list
Our score:
BEST FOR UGANDA:ExpressVPN is our first choice. Fast and reliable servers that easily circumvent government internet restrictions and social media taxes. Secure and strict on privacy. Includes 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Works in UgandaTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost provides a network of over 9,000 servers spread across 90+ countries, including plenty of options in Europe, North America, and Asia. It can reliably unblock a host of streaming services, including Netflix. When it comes to streaming this content, you can expect little to no lag or buffering thanks to the fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth. A single subscription can connect up to 7 devices at one time.
This VPN provider operates a strict no-logs policy so your privacy is very much protected. A combination of military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection keeps your data secure. Windows users will appreciate CyberGhost’s security suite which includes an antivirus. CyberGhost’s live chat and email support is available around the clock should you require assistance.
You’ll find CyberGhost apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome and Firefox. Manual setup is required in order to use CyberGhost with compatible wireless routers.
Pros:
- Strong encryption and solid privacy policy
- Operates a network of more than 9,000 servers in 90 countries
- Keeps no logs
- Low-cost option with beginner-friendly apps
-
45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Not suitable for those that need control of advanced features
- Doesn’t work in China
Our score:
GREAT VALUE:CyberGhost has thousands of servers worldwide. Apps for all platforms are easy to install and use and you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously – great for families and beginners. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhos reviewt.
5. IPVanish
Works in UgandaTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish has implemented the WireGuard protocol and, as a result, is one of the fastest VPNs you can use. At the time of writing, IPVanish offers more than 2,000 servers spread across dozens of countries. You can use this Virtual Private Network to securely access the likes of Netflix US, regardless of your physical location. It also allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account.
With an IPVanish subscription, you have access to 24/7 support via live chat and email. It also provides a whole host of security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. This plus a zero-logs policy combines to hide your online activity from your ISP as well as the government (or any other snoopers).
To use IPVanish servers, download and install an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire TV. If you prefer, you can manually configure a connection with Linux or a compatible router.
Pros:
- Connections, communications and traffic remain encrypted and private at all times
- Completely logless service won’t compromise your privacy
- Operates a network of more than 2,000 servers from 75 city locations around the globe
- Impressive 4K streaming speeds achieved during testing
Cons:
- Look elsewhere if you need to use apps in China
- Doesn’t offer any browser extensions
Our score:
CONNECT UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish is preferred by Kodi users for its easy to use interface that works with remote devices. Good for getting around internet restrictions but won’t unblock as many streaming sites as rivals. 30-day money back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
6. PrivateVPN
Works in UgandaTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is one of the strongest unblockers of content we’ve tested. It works very well with the likes of Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. What’s more, its speeds are more than fast enough (helped by unlimited bandwidth) for streaming content in 1080p and even 4K resolution. Servers are available in more than 60 countries including the US and UK.
You can use PrivateVPN to secure up to 10 devices at the same time. These devices benefit from high-end encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks. A true no-logs policy ensures not even connection logs are kept. Aside from live chat and email support, PrivateVPN offers free remote help and installation if you need help getting started. It doesn’t outsource its support to a third party either.
PrivateVPN has desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS) apps, as well as an app for Fire TV. It provides manual setup instructions for Linux and routers.
Pros:
- Strong security and privacy features and decent speeds
- Swedish-based provider with a strict no-logs policy
- Gaining popularity for its growing list of sites they unblock
Cons:
- Small number of servers to choose from
- Live chat isn’t available 24/7
Our score:
UP-AND-COMING NETWORK:PrivateVPN has fast servers in dozens of countries. Gaining a reputation for its strong unblocking. Servers are private and secure. Quality customer support and a true no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
How to use a VPN in Uganda
First time using a VPN? Not to worry! The best VPNs for Uganda make it quick and easy to get set up. In fact, if you follow the step-by-step instructions below, it should only take a couple of minutes.
- Sign up with one of the VPN providers covered in this post. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your device. All of the VPNs listed allow multiple simultaneous connections.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in your preferred location. For example, a server in the US to get a US IP address.
- You can now browse and stream securely (and bypass geographic restrictions on content such as streaming platforms and social media websites).
- Having trouble? Clearing your browser’s cookies should do the trick. You may need to try more than one server to unblock a particular website or service.
Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Uganda
Trying to choose between so many different VPN providers can be something of a headache. After all, so many claim to be the best! To help narrow the options down, we looked for each VPN to offer the following:
- Servers worldwide: Few VPNs offer servers in Uganda but some do have servers in countries including Egypt and South Africa. We’ve looked for each VPN to offer a global network of servers across dozens of countries. That way, you have plenty of choice as to which server location you connect to.
- Speed: Lots of VPNs claim to be fast but fall far short when it comes to streaming and torrenting. For this reason, we’ve carried out speed tests in order to find the fastest VPNs. The best VPNs for Uganda all include unlimited bandwidth so you can browse, stream, and torrent without restriction.
- Unblocking: Whether you’re in Uganda or traveling abroad, you may well come across geo-blocked or even government-censored online content. Quality VPNs are able to bypass restrictions. Having tested these VPNs against many websites and services, we’re confident they’ll hold up.
- Security: At a minimum, we look for VPNs that offer 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. In some cases, you’ll find that the VPNs in this post offer extras, be it Double VPN servers or auto wifi protection. As such, you can be confident that your data is always secure.
- Privacy: If you’re concerned about your ISP or even the government in Uganda seeing what you’re doing online, use a VPN. This ensures your internet traffic is encrypted. You also need a VPN with a no-logs policy. We’ve looked at 140 VPN logging policies to find those that protect your privacy.
- Ease of use: We test each VPN app to find out just how easy it is to use. Connecting to a server shouldn’t take more than few seconds. All of the VPNs listed in this post provide 24/7 support as well as a variety of setup and troubleshooting guides, making it easy to get started.
- Value for money: The best VPNs for Uganda all offer a variety of subscription plans (long-term and short-term) to suit all budgets. Better still, all of them come with a money-back guarantee of at least 30 days. We also provide VPN discount coupons so you get an even better deal.
Would you like to know more about how we test VPNs? Our VPN testing methodology post goes into even greater detail.
Best VPNs for Uganda: FAQs
Should I use a free VPN in Uganda?
We don’t recommend you use a free VPN in Uganda or indeed any other country. First, free VPNs don’t offer many servers yet attract a lot of users. Free VPNs engage in bandwidth throttling in an attempt to manage this and the result is very slow speeds — far too slow for streaming, torrenting, or playing online games.
However, the main reason to avoid using a free VPN in Uganda is security (or the lack of it!). Free VPNs often don’t properly encrypt data. Some even keep logs to sell to third parties. Needless to say, you don’t want to risk your browsing activity ending up in the hands of the government which has been known to arrest citizens for what they say and do online.
Is the internet free in Uganda?
According to the Freedom on the Net 2022 report by Freedom House, internet in Uganda is only partly free. The government has been known to impose restrictions on content, particularly during general elections, as in 2021. This effected social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as well as instant messaging services including WhatsApp.
Note also that journalists and activists who criticise Uganda’s president or his family face arrest and even physical violence. The state has also been known to use surveillance tools to spy on citizens, particularly journalists and opposition leaders.
Is it legal to use a VPN in Uganda?
VPN use in Uganda isn’t illegal but it’s important to exercise caution. The government has blocked VPNs in the past and has ordered ISPs to block VPN traffic. Despite this, most VPNs work well in Uganda so you shouldn’t have any issue getting set up.
Note: we are not lawyers and nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice.
Comparitech does not condone or encourage any violation of copyright restrictions. Please consider the law and risks of piracy before engaging in this act.