(Kampala) – Ugandan Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has criticized some government officials for continuing to use Facebook despite an official ban on the platform. The Deputy Speaker’s comments came during the opening of a Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Governance Symposium held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on Thursday. Organized by Task Managers Limited, the event gathered experts to discuss data and AI trends in Uganda.
Tayebwa humorously noted that while the government banned Facebook in Uganda following the 2021 general elections, many officials continue to access the platform, sometimes explaining that it is managed by their “social media managers.” He expressed concern over Uganda’s limited influence on global digital and AI platforms, which he says is a challenge for developing countries trying to regulate major tech companies.
“It’s challenging when a country like Uganda blocks Facebook, knowing that it has minimal economic impact on the platform,” Tayebwa observed. “Many people, including officials, simply turn to VPNs to access Facebook.”
The Ugandan government blocked Facebook in 2021 following allegations of interference in the elections, and the platform has remained inaccessible ever since. Despite multiple assurances of lifting the ban, access remains restricted. Tayebwa’s remarks on Thursday follow similar concerns he raised in April 2023, when he, along with Buhweju County MP Francis Mwijukye, criticized officials for allegedly bypassing the ban while public messaging around it remains strict.
During the symposium, Tayebwa also spoke to Ugandan youth about social media, cautioning them on the risks of sharing personal information publicly. He suggested that the content individuals post on platforms like Facebook and Instagram could influence their reputations and future employment prospects. “Potential employers can see everything,” he noted, “from your social media activity to your personal habits, and this influences their decisions.”
This is not the first time Tayebwa has raised concerns about the official Facebook ban. In a Parliament session in April 2023, he and MP Mwijukye called on ministers to address the inconsistency, with Tayebwa stating that he could not respond to Facebook messages from his constituents due to the ban. Mwijukye urged the government to enforce consistent policies that all officials could abide by.
In response to these concerns, Minister for Information, Communication, Technology, and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, said that he does not operate a Facebook account and that the government is continuing to engage with Facebook to resolve outstanding issues. According to Baryomunsi, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is leading negotiations with Facebook, and progress has been made on some issues, though two unresolved matters remain.
Baryomunsi emphasized that the government’s goal is to reach an agreement with Facebook, which will allow the platform to comply with Uganda’s regulations and eventually reopen to the public. “Our team at UCC has been in talks with Facebook, and we hope to reach a resolution soon,” he added.
Event
Details
Platform
Facebook (banned since 2021)
Official Concern
Government officials using Facebook
Main Speaker
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa
Additional Commentary
Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, MP Mwijukye
Symposium Topic
Data Analytics, AI, and Data Governance
Organizers
Task Managers Limited
Ongoing Negotiations
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
Goal of Negotiations
Resolve two final issues to reopen Facebook
