By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Uganda has launched a nationwide campaign to combat disinformation and fake news, led by Next Media, the Uganda Police, and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
The initiative aims to protect national security by addressing the spread of fabricated stories, especially on social media, that authorities warn could incite violence, destabilize communities, and erode public trust.
The rise of disinformation, misinformation, and fake news in Uganda has become a serious concern for authorities.
Fabricated stories, often disseminated through social media, have the potential to destabilize communities, incite violence, and, in extreme cases, lead to loss of life.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo described disinformation as a “global problem” that undermines decision-making processes, calling for stronger legal frameworks to address the issue.
A key focus of the campaign is on the potential for disinformation to escalate conflicts.
Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Deputy Spokesperson Col. Deo Akiiki warned that fake news can “cause war” by creating unnecessary tensions and misleading the public, posing a direct threat to national security.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke emphasized that disinformation not only harms the credibility of security agencies but also endangers lives, citing instances of blackmail and false reports of high-profile deaths.
He vowed that the police will lead efforts to curb the spread of fake news.
Next Media, one of Uganda’s leading media outlets, has taken a proactive role in this battle.
The group’s CEO, Kin Kariisa, stated that fake news “has the capacity to cause diplomatic fallout and threaten national security.”
Next Media CEO Kin Kariisa highlighted the media industry’s responsibility to counter disinformation, warning that fake news could cause diplomatic fallout and jeopardize national security.
The campaign also received strong backing from the Ministry of ICT. Aminah Zawedde, the ministry’s permanent secretary, called on all Ugandans to join the effort to combat fake news.
“We need to propagate good news about our country. If we allow this to continue, we won’t be able to attract investors or tourists,” she warned.
Zawedde stressed the importance of enacting strong laws to prevent further damage from disinformation.
Government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo added that media houses need to develop internal policies to tackle the spread of fake news.
“This fight is not just for the government; media organizations must also step up and ensure they are not part of the problem,” Opondo said.
As the campaign progresses, stakeholders have committed to increasing resources and improving coordination to tackle disinformation.
“This is a war that we must fight together, and we are capable of winning,” Rusoke concluded.
The launch of this campaign highlights Uganda’s commitment to safeguarding its national security, democratic values, and social harmony.=
By taking a united stand, the country hopes to curb the growing tide of disinformation and ensure a safer, more informed public.
