Highlights:
- Government Stands Firm: No Facebook Reopening Under Pressure
- Uganda’s ICT Minister Rejects Traders’ Demand for Facebook Access
- Traders Threaten Legal Action Over Facebook Closure
In a recent press briefing held in Kampala, Facebook traders issued a 14 day ultimatum to the Ugandan government, demanding the reopening of the social media site or else they would take the matter to court. This move comes as a response to the government’s continued clampdown on Facebook, which has disrupted their online trading activities.
Badru Kabogoza Nsamu, the chairperson of the Urban Smart Traders Association (USTA), emphasized the significance of Facebook as a vital platform for their business operations. He highlighted the losses incurred by traders since the closure of Facebook, which has led to a decline in customers and a standstill in their businesses. Nsamu stressed that Facebook serves as a business platform, not just a political one, and should be reinstated to support their commercial activities.
The government’s response, conveyed by the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, firmly rejected the traders’ demands. Dr. Baryomunsi emphasized that the government would reopen Facebook when it deems appropriate. He cited ongoing negotiations with Facebook that have yet to yield a mutually agreeable resolution as the reason for the platform’s continued closure.
In the event that their demands are not met, USTA, represented by lawyer Luyimbazi Nalukoola, has indicated its intention to pursue legal action against the government. Mr. Nalukoola has specified that, if Facebook remains blocked beyond the 14 day notice period, the government will be required to pay damages of UGX 200 billion to compensate for the hardships endured by USTA members. He asserted that Facebook is a crucial online platform connecting Ugandan products and services with the global digital market, and its continued closure poses a threat to the nation’s online economic network.
Furthermore, Mr. Nalukoola emphasized that the government’s actions represent a violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms. He argued that such measures are incongruent with a free and democratic society and impede Uganda’s participation in the global economy, particularly in areas such as import, export, tourism, sports, music, and art.
This dispute over Facebook’s status in Uganda dates back to 2021 when the government initially blocked the platform ahead of general elections. Many Ugandans have since resorted to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access Facebook, while others have sought alternative social media platforms.
The government’s reasons for the platform’s suspension include accusations of insufficient efforts to curb hate speech, misinformation, and political divisions, as well as the deletion of accounts belonging to suspected fake supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
