By Spy Uganda
Kampala: With just hours left to the general polls slated for tomorrow Thursday 14 2021, the Uganda Communications Commissions(UCC) has directed all Telecom companies to immediately suspend all social media and Short Message Services (SMS) platform, and all other online communication services ahead of the general Elections.
According to Uganda Communications Commission, the popular internet services like Facebook and WhatsApp must be suspended until further notice to avoid spread of wrong information and incitement of violence during and after elections.
“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,” said the letter from the commission’s executive director to MTN Uganda, one of Uganda’s biggest telecom services provider.
President Museveni yesterday during his pre- election national address revealed having ordered for closure of social media platforms, mainly Facebook after he accused the tech giant of targeting his yellow ‘brigade’ by deleting their accounts. Facebook earlier this week deleted a number of accounts associated with the ruling NRM accusing the accounts of ‘misuse’ of the platforms by falsifying identify and sharing content in a syndicated move aimed at misdirecting decent debates on ground.
Read Full Statement Below
” MTN Uganda informs its esteemed customers and other stakeholders that National Telecommunication Operators in the country, have received a directive from Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to immediately suspend access and use, direct or otherwise of all social media platforms and online messaging applications over the network until further notice.
MTN Uganda has, in compliance with its National Telecommunications Operator License and in accordance with MTN’s group-wide Digital Human Rights due diligence framework implemented the directive.
MTN Uganda will continue engaging with the relevant stakeholders to limit the scope and duration of the service disruption”
