6 Best VPNs for Uganda to evade restrictions

Internet users in Uganda have to be very careful. Due to the country’s far-reaching censorship, something as simple as posting pro-LGBT content online could see you arrested. However, it’s actually quite easy to sidestep this kind of digital limitation with the help of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

VPNs work by encrypting your traffic, making it unreadable. Next, it’s sent through a server somewhere else in the world. This has two functions: first, to hide your real location and IP address, but also to ensure that you won’t be subject to Ugandan internet censorship. Once connected, you’ll be able to browse the internet anonymously, without worrying about whether the government is watching.

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:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Uganda. 7,000+ servers worldwide. Very high speeds make it ideal for streaming and torrenting. Specialty servers as well as 24-hour support. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Uganda.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. High-speed servers and unlimited simultaneous connections. Excellent apps and 24/7 support. Secure with MultiHop servers.
3. IPVanish: Good reputation for privacy and getting around internet restrictions. Fast servers as well as unlimited simultaneous connections.
4. ExpressVPN: Vast network of speedy servers. Apps for all major platforms that are private and secure. Keeps no identifiable information of its users.
5. CyberGhost: Some of the fastest servers we’ve tested. Apps are private, secure and beginner-friendly. Ideal for novice users in Uganda.
6. PrivateVPN: Powerful unblocker of streaming services and more than fast enough for streaming. Beginner-friendly apps and a true no-logs policy.

Our testing criteria for Uganda VPNs

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 can fulfill certain key criteria.

When searching for the best VPNs for Ugandans, we looked for providers offering all of the following:

• Speed: Every VPN will slow your connection to a degree. We run thorough speed tests on each provider to identify which have the least impact on speed and can maintain consistency even during busy periods.
• Network: Few VPNs have servers in Uganda, and those that don’t should have good African coverage in nearby countries. We take all of this into account during our testing.
• Security and privacy: We evaluated each VPN using sixteen criteria, including encryption levels, logging policies, and more. We look at all of the essentials to keep you safe online.
• Ease of use: We like a streamlined service with intuitive apps across all platforms. We use ten criteria to gauge ease of use.
• Streaming: Some streaming platforms are notoriously stubborn. We test each VPN on nine criteria to assess their ability to bypass streaming blocks.

Uganda VPNs compared

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Uganda.

The best VPNs for Uganda

Here’s a closer look at our top picks:

1. NordVPN

Mar 2025 Works in UgandaTested Mar 2025

NordVPN is our #1 choice for Uganda. It has a vast server network with well over 7,000 servers across more than 100 countries. As such, you’ll have no trouble finding a fast server close to your physical location. It also means bypassing restrictions, including internet censorship, is easy thanks to its new NordWhisper protocol.

NordVPN is known for its fast and consistent speeds, so it’s ideal for streaming (it works well with Netflix, for example). We wanted to see how reliable its South African servers were, so we tested them at various times of day on a 250 Mbps connection. You’ll find our results in the chart below:

Across three tests, NordVPN delivered an average speed of 167.75 Mbps. That makes it the fastest provider in this list, so you’ll be just fine regardless of what you get up to online. It’s also one of the most consistent, with less than 7 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results.

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 simultaneously. 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.

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.

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2. Surfshark

Works in UgandaTested Mar 2025

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 also supports torrenting across its whole network. Better still, you can use a single account to connect all of your devices simultaneously.

When it comes to performance, Surfshark is one of the best. It boasts higher speeds than most other services on the market (even those that cost more) and is generally very consistent. That said, most testing is done on US servers, so we decided to see what its South African servers were capable of. Take a look:

With an average speed of 152.72 Mbps and just 8 Mbps of variance across a day of testing, this VPN represents excellent value. It’s quick enough to handle any task, from live streaming to video calling without even the slightest performance issue. In fact, you should be able to get a smooth, stable connection even if the whole family is online at the same time.

If you’re worried about your online security while in Uganda and while traveling abroad, Surfshark should put your mind at rest. In addition to 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, it offers MultiHop servers that 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.

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.

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3. IPVanish

Works in UgandaTested Mar 2025

IPVanish offers more than 2,000 servers spread across over 100 countries. In recent years, this provider has worked hard to improve its speeds, security, and streaming ability. 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.

The majority of IPVanish’s servers are in the US, but that’s quite a distance from Uganda. Instead, users would be better off trying a server in Africa to minimize latency. We put IPVanish’s South African servers to the test; you’ll find the results in the chart below:

As you can see, this provider delivered an average speed of 127.53 Mbps. That’s not the highest result we’ve seen but it’s certainly competitive. Whether you’re hoping to access foreign streaming platforms, use P2P networks securely, or make video calls, IPVanish is more than fast enough.

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.

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 on annual plans.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

Works in UgandaTested Mar 2025

ExpressVPN offers a wide number of options across the globe. At the time of writing, over 3,000 servers are spread across 105 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.

This provider used to be one of the quickest VPNs on the market though its rivals have caught up in recent years. Regardless, we decided to test ExpressVPN’s South African servers in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon to measure its performance and reliability. Here are the results:

Once all three tests were complete, we were left with an average speed of 111.46 Mbps. For context, that’s quick enough to stream six 4K videos simultaneously, meaning it can handle anything you throw at it. There was just a few Mbps worth of difference between its highest and lowest results too, which is exceptional.

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.

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.

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5. CyberGhost

Works in UgandaTested Mar 2025

CyberGhost provides a network of over 11,000 servers spread across 100+ 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.

CyberGhost has a pretty good reputation where speed is concerned. Our testers have had great results using it to stream and torrent, but we specifically wanted to check how quickly its South African servers were. Let’s take a look at the results:

Once all tests were complete, this VPN had an average speed of 128.24 Mbps. Further, there was less than 5 Mbps of variance, even taking peak times into account. Whether you’re hoping to stream, torrent, play games, or chat securely in Uganda, CyberGhost can help.

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.

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 CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

Works in UgandaTested Mar 2025

PrivateVPN is one of the strongest content unblockers we’ve tested. It works very well with Disney+, Hulu, 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.

Now, this service doesn’t try to be the fastest provider on the market. Instead, it focuses on providing a high degree of stability. Our experts tested its servers in South Africa at three times of day to see if it was able to offer the speeds you require for safe browsing in Uganda.

Overall, we recorded an average speed of 53.34 Mbps. That’s decent, and more than you’ll need for most day-to-day tasks. If your connection is slower than ours (250 Mbps) then you may experience some performance hiccups, but generally, PrivateVPN boasts consistent and reliable.

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.

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.

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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.

1. Sign up with one of the VPN providers covered in this post. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your device. All of the VPNs listed allow multiple simultaneous connections.
3. 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.
4. You can now browse and stream securely (and bypass geographic restrictions on content such as streaming platforms and social media websites).
5. 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

There are hundreds of VPNs all competing for your attention, but many of them lack the security you’ll need to browse the web safely in Uganda. Others may be too slow, or unable to access your favorite geo-blocked platforms. Our experts created an exhaustive testing process that examines each candidate in five key areas:

Speed

Your VPN’s speed determines how seamless your browsing experience will be. For instance, with a sluggish connection, even basic webpages will take a very long time to load. Now, while you’ll get the fastest speeds from a nearby server, most VPNs don’t offer servers in Uganda itself. Instead, we decided to test each provider’s South African servers. Tests were performed at three times of day on a 250 Mbps connection, and you’ll find the results below:

Overall, NordVPN had the highest South African speeds, so it scored a perfect 10 points. Surfshark came in a close second, with 8.8, while CyberGhost narrowly beat ExpressVPN to take third place.

Network

Next up, we took a close look at each VPN’s server networks. This involved examining how many countries each supported, and then checking out how many were in Africa itself. We also considered how many servers were availabe, though not every VPN provider makes this information public. Here are the final scores:

CyberGhost delivered a near-perfect score of 9.9 point thanks to its colossal network and strong coverage in Africa. NordVPN followed right behind, but scored slightly lower as it has thousands fewer servers than its rival. PrivateVPN came in last, since it has the smallest network and fewest African locations.

Security and privacy

VPNs are designed to keep your online activities hidden from snoopers. If they’re not capable of this, they’re really not of any use to anyone. Our team of expert reviewers consider 16 security-related criteria (including encryption strength and logging policies) to determine just how safe each VPN is. We’ve laid out a full list below.

To assign scores for this category, we deduct points for every area where improvements could be made. As such, a higher score means fewer avenues of attack and overall, a more resilient VPN. Let’s see how our top providers compared:

NordVPN and Surfshark tied for first place, each scoring 9.5 points of a possible 10. Surfshark lost points for being based in a Nine Eyes country, though it’s worth mentioning that its otherwise robust privacy offering helps offset some of the risk this poses. Additionally, the lowest score we recorded from any VPN in this category was 8.6, so whichever service you decide to use, you’ll be adequately protected.

Ease of use

The simpler and more straightforward your VPN is, the better. Our experts look for any features of characteristics providers have that make day to day operation as intuitive as possible. This means looking for access to live chat-based customer support, task-specific servers, and everything else in the table below:

NordVPN was the easiest service to use overall. It’s able to access a huge variety of geo-blocked sites, offers well-described security features, and won’t be stopped by even the strictest digital censorship. IPVanish was a close second, and ExpressVPN took third place. Take a look:

Streaming

Most major streaming sites are regionally-restricted, meaning you can’t normally access them while traveling abroad. That can be a real problem for international travelers, but with the right VPN, you’ll be able to watch wherever you go. We test each VPN against a number of popular platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. This lets us see not only how many services each VPN can access, but also how reliably it can do so. Here are our full judging criteria:

NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all managed to access every streaming site we tested, and very rarely required us to try multiple servers. CyberGhost and PrivateVPN, meanwhile, were fairly reliable, but did struggle from time to time and had some servers that weren’t as good for streaming as others.

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

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