The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has shut down all operations of social media in the country. This development follows Facebook’s takedown of Ugandan officials’ pages on the site because of President Museveni’s treatment of the opposition and using fake accounts to promote the incumbent.
Many see the following as retaliation for Facebook’s action:
UGANDA UCC COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Our Ref.: C
12th January 2021
Dear Sir,
SUSPENSION OF THE OPERATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA
UCC House Plot 42-44 Spring Road Bugolobi P.O. Box 7376 Kampala. Uganda
In exercise of its functions under section 5(1) of the Uganda Communications Act of 2013, Uganda Communications Commission hereby directs you to immediately suspend any access and use, direct or otherwise, of ALL social media platforms and online messaging applications over your network until further notice.
Thank you for your cooperationYours faithfully
Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo AG. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This social media shut down comes just before the country goes to the polls to vote in the next president. The incumbent Yoweri Museveni will be up against the popular Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi).
According to Reuters all the big three, WhatsApp Facebook and Twitter are down with some indications that Telegram may also be down too.
