Best VPN for Uganda in 2025

When I think of Uganda, I envision its breathtaking landscapes, from the majestic Rwenzori Mountains to the serene shores of Lake Victoria. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or soaking in the culture of Kampala, Uganda is a country worth visiting.

However, to fully enjoy your trip while staying secure online, it’s essential to use one of the best VPNs for Uganda. A virtual private network (VPN) not only keeps your internet activities private but also helps you access restricted websites and stay secure while using public Wi-Fi. Keep reading to find out more!

In a hurry? Here are 5 best VPNs for Uganda

Here are the 5 best VPNs for Uganda, each offering secure, private, and dependable service with solid geo-spoofing capability:

Key takeaways

1. A quality virtual private network (VPN) protects against government surveillance and censorship, even while using public Wi-Fi.
2. A premium VPN gives access to blocked social media, messaging apps, and other geo-restricted websites in Uganda.
3. Protect yourself from hackers, snoops, and surveillance by selecting a VPN with military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a no-logs policy.
4. My favorite VPN for Uganda is ExpressVPN!

Why you need a VPN for Uganda

I always recommend using a reliable virtual private network (VPN) in Uganda. Here’s why:

• Protection from government surveillance. The Ugandan government imposes strict internet censorship and has been known to arrest individuals who post criticism of the government or the president. A VPN passes your data through an encrypted tunnel, keeping all of your comments private and protected from unwanted surveillance.
• Privacy protection. A premium VPN will have a verified zero-logs policy and use RAM-only servers, so no one can access your data because there is no record of it anywhere, making it a true virtual private network.
• Access restricted websites. Many social media websites and instant messaging services are prohibited and inaccessible in Uganda. If you want to keep up with your friends while visiting the country, you’ll need a premium VPN that can bypass strong firewalls.
• Bypass geographic restrictions. When you are traveling, you may not be able to access your online banking, work accounts, or streaming services from back home without a good VPN!
• Secure connection. Any time you travel, you’re going to be dependent on public Wi-Fi which is less secure and a target for hackers. A high-quality VPN will encrypt all of your internet traffic protecting you from bad actors while you’re on the go.
• Improved speed. If you’re using up a lot of data while streaming, gaming, or completing a VoIP call, your ISP could throttle your connection. With a VPN, they can’t see how much data you’re using and will leave you alone, keeping all of your online activities moving along smoothly.

How to choose the best VPN for Uganda

Here’s how to choose the best Uganda VPN.

• Security features. The best Uganda VPN has to be secure. Only use a VPN that comes with AES 256-bit military-level encryption, an automatic kill switch feature, IP/DNS leak protection, and secure tunneling protocols such as OpenVPN or WireGuard.
• Privacy protection. All VPN services for Uganda should have an independently audited no-logs policy that ensures that nothing, not even connection logs are maintained, so there are absolutely no identifying logs anywhere!
• Speed. Select a fast VPN so you can enjoy seamless browsing, VoIP calling, streaming, gaming, and P2P file-sharing.
• Unblocking capability. Look for a VPN with obfuscation so you can get past firewalls and a strong track record for accessing geo-restricted content on your favorite streaming services, so you can enjoy all your favorite shows from back home while you’re visiting Uganda.
• Server network. You’ll want a VPN with a broad server network including a server location in or near Uganda for superior speed and access to global content.
• Compatibility. Select a VPN service with intuitive apps compatible with your home and mobile devices. I like to get a subscription that allows for multiple simultaneous connections so I can cover all my devices under one account.
• Customer service. Subscribe to a plan that comes with strong customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5 best VPNs for Uganda

A Uganda VPN must be secure, private, and reliable to bypass government censorship. Here are the top 5 VPNs for Uganda.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the best Uganda VPN I’ve found. Not only does it offer the gold standard in privacy and security, but it’s the most reliable at unblocking restricted websites all over the world. Plus, I love how easy it is to use and set up.

Features: I sleep better at night, knowing the extra security I get with ExpressVPN’s ad blocking, malware protection, tracker blocking, obfuscation, and password manager. Plus, its 3,200+ servers in 105 countries provide broad access to websites globally.

Speed: When connected to a long-distance VPN server, ExpressVPN retained an impressive 82% of its baseline download speed.

Privacy and security: When you use ExpressVPN, your data is protected by a strict no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, IP & DNS leak protection, and an automatic cut-off if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

Performance: The best part of ExpressVPN is the high-level performance I get for playing games online, streaming, P2P file sharing, and more!

Streaming: ExpressVPN can reliably unblock popular streaming services, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more!

Compatibility: I find the apps to be well-designed and easy to use. They work smoothly with mobile devices, laptops, desktops, and smart TVs, and Express even has compatible wireless routers. It can be used with Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi.

Pricing: At $6.67/month, the cost for this VPN is higher than the competition. Subscribers get 3 months free, 8 simultaneous connections, 24/7 live chat support, and a 30-day no-risk trial.

2. NordVPN

If you want a premium Uganda VPN for less than ExpressVPN, NordVPN is just what you’re looking for.

Features: In addition to its extensive server network of 7,100+ servers in 118 countries, NordVPN comes with lots of bonus features offering enhanced online protection including double VPN servers, obfuscation, Treat Protection Pro, and more!

Speed: I got very fast server speeds during testing, maintaining a whopping 92% of my baseline download speed when using VPN servers on the other side of the globe.

Privacy and security: You can securely access the internet on public Wi-Fi in Uganda with Nord’s military-grade encryption, strict no-logs policy, and protection from IP and DNS leaks.

Performance: Nord’s top speeds and stable connections support smooth and uninterrupted access to the internet. Plus, it works well for playing online games, streaming videos, and torrenting.

Streaming: I’ve used NordVPN to reliably unblock geo-restricted libraries on multiple streaming sites, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more!

Compatibility: NordVPN has intuitive apps for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux with browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. You can also manually configure NordVPN onto your router.

Pricing: Every plan comes with 10 simultaneous connections, 24/7 live chat support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Subscriptions start at $3.59/month plus 3 months for free.

3. Surfshark

I can’t believe all the high-end features you get with this budget VPN, and the best part is that Surfshark allows you to use unlimited devices simultaneously, which piles on the savings for large households!

Features: Surfshak offers multihop servers, obfuscation, ad-blocking, malware protection, dark web monitoring, static IP, and other advanced features that you don’t usually get in a budget VPN. You’ve also got access to over 3,200 servers in 100 countries worldwide.

Speed: Surshark held on to 81% of its baseline download speed when connected to a long-distance server. When servers got crowded my speeds decreased, but the 24/7 live chat support happily directed me to a fast server.

Privacy and security: You get strong online security with Surfshark’s no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and protection from DNS leaks, even if your VPN unexpectedly drops.

Performance: In addition to anonymous browsing, Surfshark performs well for gaming, streaming, and torrenting, though you may need to experiment with your servers a bit to get the best speed.

Streaming: You can access geo-restricted websites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and other popular streaming services with Surfshark!

Compatibility: Not only can you use Surfshark on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, but it also has intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. You can also manually configure a connection to your router.

Pricing: At $1.99/month for the 24-month starter package, Surfshark is a great deal! In addition, you get 4 bonus months for free and a 30-day, money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

If you want a no-frills, cheap Uganda VPN that really works, CyberGhost is your best bet!

Features: CyberGhost has an extensive network of 11,500+ servers in 100 countries, including specialized streaming, gaming, and P2P servers.

Speed: My speeds were much better on a local connection than long distance. I maintained 73% of my baseline download speed when connected locally, but I only retained 62% of my speed on a European connection and 47% of my download speed when the distance got even further. I suggest asking the 24/7 live chat support for help in finding the fastest VPN servers in the region you want.

Privacy and security: You’ll get strong online security and privacy with CyberGhost’s strict no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and leak protection.

Performance: On local connections, CyberGhost performs well even on tasks that use a lot of data, like gaming, streaming, and torrenting. Long-distance connections are less consistent and may require some experimentation to find a fast server in the region you want.

Streaming: Enjoy geo-restricted content on your favorite streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more using CyberGhost.

Compatibility: CyberGhost’s intuitive apps are designed for a wide range of devices, including laptops, desktops, mobile devices, smart TVs, and more! With a bit of manual configuration, you can set it up on your router and cover all your devices at once!

Pricing: CyberGhost’s 2-year plan is only $2.03/month and comes with 4 months free, 7 simultaneous connections, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a dependable Uganda VPN, and while I don’t usually recommend free VPNs, this VPN comes with a free version that is trustworthy and includes unlimited bandwidth and data.

Features: Proton VPN’s paid plans come with a network of 5,200 servers in 91 countries, ad blocking, malware protection, double VPN servers, and split tunneling. The free tier is more limited in its features and restricts access to just 26 servers across 5 countries.

Speed: I retained 69% of my baseline download speed when connected to a VPN server in Africa, which is fast enough to meet most internet users’ needs. Despite the limited servers, users of the free plan get decent speed thanks to the unlimited bandwidth and data.

Privacy and security: Proton VPN’s internet traffic is protected by a strict no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and strong leak protection, even if you are using the free tier.

Performance: Proton VPN delivers smooth streaming, lag-free gaming, and quick P2P file sharing.

Compatibility: The Proton VPN well-designed apps work with Mac, Android, Android TV, Fire TV Stick, Windows, and Chromebook. Linux and routers are covered in the manual setup instructions.

Pricing: If you choose to upgrade from the free tier, the next best deal is the 2-year plan for $4.99/month, which includes 4 free months and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Methodology: How we picked the best VPNs for Uganda

Here’s what I look for when choosing the best VPN for Uganda:

• Safety. I only consider VPNs that protect your data with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, and secure tunneling protocols.
• Speed. Since I enjoy smooth streaming, gaming, and browsing, I prioritize VPNs with fast, reliable internet speeds.
• Servers. A large server network is a must, offering not just local access but also broad global coverage.
• Geo-spoofing. I need a VPN that can bypass Uganda’s firewalls and geo-restrictions, ensuring my internet activity remains free from interference.
• Compatibility. I love VPNs with user-friendly apps that work seamlessly on all my devices, from phones to laptops.

VPNs to avoid using in Uganda

I put together my list of best VPNs for Uganada to save you time on your hunt for a great VPN, but as a cybersecurity fanatic, I also want to warn you against some of the most notorious VPN providers out there.

• HolaVPN. Aside from its poor performance in the areas of speed and geo-spoofing, Hola raises several red flags for the security conscious. It uses a P2P proxy network, meaning you could be sharing your internet connection with others leading to privacy and security concerns. It also lacks military-level encryption or leak protection and keeps activity logs on its users.
• Hold VPN. Known for its weak encryption, lack of leak protection, and vague logging policy, I’d recommend staying away from this VPN service.
• HoxxVPN. This VPN has been busted for maintaining user logs and selling them to third parties, which throws any sense of privacy protection out the window.

Where else can I unblock VPNs?

You can use a VPN to bypass IP blocks in countries worldwide. If your VPN provider has a server in that region, you can unblock its content.

For example, you can access restricted content on US streaming sites or safely connect to public Wi-Fi while you enjoy the beautiful beaches of Dominica.

If you are a more adventurous traveler and want to get around government censorship in countries like China, the UAE, Montenegro, Syria, or Sudan, it’s all possible with a quality VPN.

How do I use ExpressVPN in Uganda?

ExpressVPN is one of the easiest VPNs to set up and use! After you purchase a subscription and download the VPN app onto your device, just pick a country and click on the connect button. Then you’re all set to use your VPN in Uganda!

Can I use a free VPN for Uganda?

Uganda has strong internet restrictions and may impose serious consequences for anyone caught posting negative comments about the president or government so it’s crucial to keep your internet traffic private and secure. It’s not a job I would not trust to most free VPNs.

Free VPNs often use weak encryption and may sell your browser history to third parties for profit, which exposes you to significant risk.

Most free VPNs don’t have the software necessary to bypass the strong geo-blocks and firewalls keeping you from restricted social media platforms, instant messaging services, or streaming platforms in Uganda.

The only free VPN that I would feel comfortable using is Proton VPN’s free version. It has the same strong encryption, leak protection, and no-log policy on its free plan that the premium subscribers get. Plus its unlimited bandwidth and data help maintain fast and stable connections.

FAQ

Is it legal to use a VPN in Uganda?

Yes. It is legal to use a VPN in Uganda. There have been instances of the Ugandan government blocking VPN use in the county, but if you stick with a reputable Uganda VPN, and don’t use your VPN to break any laws you should be fine.

Which VPN works best in Uganda?

The best VPN for Uganda is ExpressVPN. It offers first-rate security and privacy features while still maintaining excellent speed. It reliably gets past strong geo-blocks and firewalls and best of all, it’s easy to use on just about any device!

Conclusion

Traveling to Uganda is an unforgettable experience, but staying safe and connected online is crucial in a country with strict internet regulations. By using one of the best VPNs for Uganda, you can protect your privacy, access restricted websites, and enjoy a secure online experience throughout your trip.

If you want the best Uganda VPN possible, I recommend using ExpressVPN.