Through the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Peter Ogwang, the government has announced that it has lifted the social media ban. In his statement, Ogwang apologized to the nation called upon social media users to avoid violent use of the platform.
“Internet and Social media services have been fully restored. We apologize for the inconvenience caused, but it was for the security of our country. Let’s be constructive, NOT destructive consumers/users of social media,” Hon. Ogwang stated.
It should be recalled that the government switched the internet a few days to the General Presidential and Parliamentary elections that were on 14th- January- 2021. The internet was reportedly switched to avert the violent acts that were being spread through social media platforms.
It has been a while since the social media ban was enforced though many have been able to access social media platforms through the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN), and it’s today that the government has lifted the ban but on caution that people should use it in good manners and not spreading ‘political bitterness’.
However, according to a message that has been sent to a client by a certain Telecommunication company, Facebook is seemingly to remain blocked.
“Dear Client Kindly is informed The Uganda Communication Commission has advised the release on all Social Media Platforms previously blocked. We have been advised to keep Facebook blocked until further instruction”, stated the email.
By Sajjabi Sadati
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