28.2 C
Accra
Sunday, August 3, 2025
WorldUganda tightens control on online publishing ahead of elections

Date:

Uganda tightens control on online publishing ahead of elections

Bloggers, internet publishers, and broadcasters have until October 5 to seek permits from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in new regulations that tighten State control on the dissemination of information.

“All persons currently offering or planning to commence the provision of online data communication and broadcasting services including but not limited to blogs, online television, radios, online newspapers, audio over Internet Protocol (AoIP), Internet Portal TV, Video on Demand digital audio radios and television, internet/ web radio and internet/web television, to obtain authorisation from UCC before providing such services to the public,” the statement released on Monday by the regulator reads.

“If your social media page is used to transmitting sound, video or data intended for simultaneous reception by the public (broadcasting) and by data, we mean electronic representation of information in any form including audiovisual, you need authorisation as a data communicator,” added UCC.

Reaction

Ugandans have criticised the new directive coming at a time the country is headed for a general election in February next year with campaigns having kicked off, though unofficial.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the electoral body has directed that political parties conduct “scientific campaigns” online, through the media and other non-contact means as a preventive measure to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

“One buys data to use the internet, then pays OTT [over-the-top tax] to use social media, and now one has to pay to post on social media? Why introduce this tax in a situation of digital campaigns?” Narith, a Twitter posed.

Ivan Bwowe, a lawyer and human rights activist, has warned that the directive infringes on the constitutional right to freedom of expression and communication.

Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

“Don’t make me and Stonebwoy fight ooo”- Samini warn netizens

Veteran dancehall musician, Samini has warned netizens to resist...

Kanye West’s Heil Hitler song bans him from entering Australia

US rapper Kanye West has been banned from entering...

Agradaa describes moment shared with President Mahama heavenly – Agradaa

Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa, shared a...

Dada Joe Remix extradited to face romance scam charges in USA

Ghana’s nightlife mogul and alleged crypto kingpin, Nana Kojo...

Govt launches 24-Hour Economy policy today

The government's flagship, 24-Hour Economy Policy, will be launched...

GRA sets July 16 for GHS1 fuel levy implementation

The implementation of the new GHS1 Energy Sector Shortfall...

Related stories

US travel ban against Togo, Libya, others takes effect today

Effective today, Monday, June 9, nationals of twelve countries...

Pakistan: Police in search of over 200 inmates following earth tremor

Over 200 inmates are currently on the run after...

Pope Leo XIV shares canonical acceptance

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has officially accepted his election...

Profile of the new Pope – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

"Peace be with all of you!" - the first...

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost named as the 267th Pope, takes the name Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the...

Black smoke signals end of first day of conclave to elect new pope

A thick column of black smoke rising from the...

Siemens exec and his family involved in fatal Hudson helicopter crash

Tragedy struck New York City on Thursday when a...