A new law in Uganda to regulate social media use is a sign of a further regression of digital rights and freedoms in the country, some activists here say.
President Yoweri Museveni signed into law the Computer Misuse Amendment Act on Thursday.
Edrine Wanyama,a legal officer with Cipesa, a regional organisation that promotes ICT use for development, says the legislation will affect access to information as well as accountability. It could also lead to increased persecution and prosecution, she added.
A number of activists are now looking into challenging the law.
The new measure says that anyone who uses social media to publish, distribute or share information prohibited under the country’s laws could face up five years in jail or have to pay a fine of $3,900 (£3,500).
It also introduces hefty fines and jail terms for people found guilty of sending malicious information, hate speech or sharing information about children without the consent of their parents or guardians.
Persons convicted under the act shall not hold office for a period of 10 years while a leader or holder of a public office will be dismissed.
Supporters of the new law say it will help to stop online abuse and protect the right to privacy.
In the recent past, several government critics – among them university lecturer, Dr Stella Nyanzi and satirical novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija have been charged under a similar law.
Source: BBC