from HASSAN ONYANGO in Kampala, Uganda
Uganda Bureau
KAMPALA, (CAJ News) – UGANDA has announced it has restored full access to social media platforms following a nationwide restriction period.
The clampdown on social media was imposed on the eve of the presidential election held on January 15 in the East African country.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of the Uganda Defence Forces (UPDF), announced on Monday this had been lifted.
“We are releasing all social media today,” he announced.
“I thank all the great people of Uganda for their support and co-operation throughout this electoral season.”
Access was initially restricted on January 13.
While general internet access was partially restored by January 18, platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram remained blocked for over a week under orders from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
The government cited the need to curb “misinformation, disinformation, and incitement to violence” during the election period.
Uganda is the latest East African country to shut the internet during elections.
In power since 1986, Yoweri Museveni, who is Kainerugaba’s father, was announced the winner of the election that the opposition claim was rigged.
The run-up to the election, as well as the post-election period, has been marred by human rights violations.
Museveni’s main challenger, Bobi Wine, is in hiding.
Hundreds of his supporters have been arrested.
The opposition has also reported dozens of its supporters have been killed or abducted.
Kainerugaba has branded them as terrorists.
– CAJ News