The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and NationalGuidance, Hajjat Aminah Zawedde, has dismissed claims that the government plans to shut down the internet ahead of next week’s General Election.
Hajjat Zawedde made the clarification January 5th while speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, where she addressed public concerns about internet access and reports of possible disruptions to banking and mobile money services during the election period.
She said heightened political activity is normal as elections approach but warned that it has been accompanied by a surge in misleading information, especially online saying that no such directive has been issued or announced.
“As we near the election period, public participation naturally increases in any democracy. Unfortunately, this has also come with a rise in misinformation, much of it circulating on digital platforms.” Hajjati Zawedde said.
She singled out claims about an impending internet shutdown as among the most common and misleading narratives currently being shared and reminded the public that online spaces are governed by existing laws, stressing that the Computer Misuse Act applies fully to digital platforms.
She cautioned that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and within legal limits, particularly when it comes to spreading false or offensive content and also warned against live broadcasting or online streaming of riots and violent incidents, saying such actions can trigger fear, panic and instability.
“Responsible media coverage during elections is not optional. It is critical to maintaining peace, public order and national stability. Media platforms must not be used to incite violence, spread false information or undermine confidence in the electoral process.” She said.
Dr Zawedde added that the government will not tolerate the abuse of traditional or digital media by individuals or political actors pursuing personal or political interests at the expense of public order and noted that the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), working with other stakeholders, is actively monitoring both broadcast and online media throughout the election period.
