We have reached the third phase of the cat and mouse game between the govt and its citizen. First was the closure of all app stores, the second phase was the closure of Facebook alone and today all social media platforms have been switched off in Uganda. This means the OTT bundles have been rendered useless at least until After elections.
ALSO READ: Govt blocks Google Playstore, Apple AppStore, and YouTube
The move has affected all MTN and Airtel mobile subscribers who command the largest subscriber base, but users report that some other networks can still access these social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and the rest.
When justifying why social media has been switched off, President Museveni said, “I told our people to warn those Facebook people. If they do not want to corporate, they shall not operate here. I am sure the government has already closed social media”.
said, “I told our people to warn those Facebook people. If they do not want to corporate, they shall not operate here. I am sure the government has already closed social media”. Opposition strongholds have always asked guys to install VPN apps to allow them to stay connected during times like these.
It has been reported that most Ugandans even government agencies have also resorted to using VPNs to remain communicating on these platforms. Some social media experts we spoke to believe that this defeats the purpose of closing down these platforms that the government agencies are also relying on to communicate to the masses during this period.
