Recently the Ugandan government took down social networking services Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Whatsapp–after claiming that these services were platforms of ill use. NTV Uganda reported that the government explained that bribes were being used to sway voters, as well as online campaigns attempting to stretch past the campaign date. Censorship was used since “people were misusing their rights to the internet” explains Ugandan leader Museveni.
Museveni is unquestionably trying to secure a 30-year rule with this censorship. He claims that “some people misuse those pathways. You know how they misuse them–telling lies.”
Journalists and Internet users were not swayed by the blockage, however, as many turned to using VPNs to access restricted websites and platforms. Even the presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi told his Twitter users to use a VPN.
This censorship could be partly due to the hot political climate of Uganda, where Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is against opposition from seven candidates, including as we mentioned, VPN supporter Amama Mbabazi.
Uganda’s previous presidential elections in 2001, 2006, and 2011 were rigged and marked by violence and voter intimidation. Already this election has started off on a wrong foot with online censorship and riots surrounding the polls.
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