I just read that access to social networks like Facebook and Twitter may be blocked again as Ugandans swear in Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (again) tomorrow. But that’s not all. TechJaja reports that Mobile Money, and possibly ALL internet access may be shut off this time around. We remember that Ugandans by-passed social media restrictions using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) during the #Ugandadecides elections back in February, and eventually made the government’s censorship attempts trend on Twitter.
This time around, ISPs have been asked to shut off all internet access and even phone calls if things get “out of hand”. Why would things get out of hand if he’s already “won the elections”, you ask? Well…it may have something to do with the fact that the opposition candidate, Kiiza Besigye shot a mock video of himself getting sworn-in as President, and it’s already doing rounds in the Ugandan internets. LOL.
Clearly, the Ugandan government doesn’t want this video to get very popular because Museveni’s butt is glued to the Presidential seat. Welp. Sources tell us that the blockage will commence at 6pm and will continue throughout the swearing in. We’ll update the story as we get more information.
Hat tip to Eric Mugendi for the heads up.
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Update: Airtel and MTN Uganda recently sent out the following tweets.
Social Media will be temporarily disabled as per UCC directive. All our other services are available. We apologize for any inconveniences.
— Airtel Uganda (@Airtel_Ug) May 11, 2016
MTN Uganda wishes to inform its esteemed customers that in line with the requirement of its license specifically article 7.4 (1/4)
— MTN Uganda (@mtnug) May 11, 2016
That requires MTN to provide assistance to government in the event of an emergency or crisis related to National Security (2/4)
— MTN Uganda (@mtnug) May 11, 2016
The UCC has issued a directive to shut down all social media platforms immediately until otherwise advised by government. (3/4)
— MTN Uganda (@mtnug) May 11, 2016
The UCC and other competent government agencies will provide further clarity on the reasons for this directive. (4/4)
— MTN Uganda (@mtnug) May 11, 2016
Surely, they must see the irony in announcing a social media block…on Social Media?
I do not understand how social media could be a security threat. Someone give me what these people in #Uganda smoke. pic.twitter.com/fcZtD0euTH
— Daniel Ominde Okoth (@IamOminde) May 11, 2016
