Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, has said that the country will lift the ban on one of Meta’s social media platforms, Facebook, if it stops “playing games.”
I’ll give you the backstory: On January 11, 2021, Facebook deactivated several accounts affiliated with Uganda’s Ministry of Information.
The social media platform accused the government officials of using bogus accounts to promote the ruling party and the president, who was seeking re-election for a sixth term.
On January 12, 2021, Uganda blocked access to social media platforms, including Facebook, two days before the presidential and parliamentary elections on January 14, 2021.
Read also Ugandan Government Presents Shs 49.9 Trillion National Budget Framework
Nearly a month later, the government began to “partially restore Internet connectivity” in the country. While other social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Twitter, and Instagram, were restored, Facebook wasn’t.
That’s 715 days without Facebook. 😳
Now, Museveni has said, “I hope Facebook knows who is in charge of Uganda. If they stop playing games, we shall open up.”
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) stated that the government is waiting for Facebook to resolve outstanding issues before reopening it fully.
Read also Export Marketing Plan Training Boosts African Tech Entrepreneurs’ Place in Global Marketplace
According to Irene Kagwa, the UCC Executive Director, “On our side, we are waiting for Facebook. We talked [and] we concluded. So, the outstanding issues are on their side. As a government, we are ready to have it come back as soon as they deliver on their promise.” Ugandans currently access Facebook through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry