Museveni calls for crackdown on people who ‘abuse’ social media | General news

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said there should be a “crackdown” on people who “abuse” social media.

In a speech delivered during the swearing-in of government ministers, Museveni, in power since 1986, said:

Another issue we need to fix – I don’t think it’s a security issue but it’s a silly issue – [is] social media.

Social media apparently said “Museveni is dead”. The security service must therefore resolve this problem as well. I have to check with them to quickly locate the one who tells such a story because you waste people time. Social media apparently said “Museveni is dead”. The security service must therefore resolve this problem as well. I have to check with them to quickly locate the one who tells such a story because you waste people time.

They should go for you. “They should go for you.”

He posted an excerpt from the speech on his Twitter account:

We must crack down on people who abuse social media, including Ugandans abroad. Many are now using it to spread unfounded and tasteless news with total abandon. I call on security to inquire. It must be stopped, catch these people. pic.twitter.com/OmIjqEYhTs

– Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) July 8, 2021

In 2018, Mr Museveni argued that social media encouraged gossip and pushed for the introduction of a social media tax.

As the January election approached, all social media sites were blocked. The government argued that it was necessary for security reasons.

The block was then lifted in February with the exception of Facebook.

Mr Museveni had ordered Facebook to be blocked because it was reported that the social media company had removed pages linked to the Ministry of Information.

Ugandans still cannot access Facebook.

The Computer Misuse Act has also been used to regulate the use of social media.

Bloggers and those with large social media followers are required to register with the Uganda Communications Commission.