The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has defended the government’s continued closure of Facebook, saying the platform was abused by users who violated the rights of others and ignored national communication regulations.
Speaking at a joint stakeholders’ press conference on the management of the 2026 elections at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, Dr Abudu Sallam Waiswa, UCC’s head of litigation and legal advisor, said the decision to block Facebook was taken after investigations revealed widespread misuse.
“We closed Facebook in Uganda because, according to our investigation, it was being used as a conduit for violating the rights of others,” Waiswa told Bbeg Media.
“I warn Ugandans to avoid misuse of communication platforms because we shall take action against you as technology enables us to know whoever is using any social media platform, where and when, even with the use of VPN.”
Facebook was closed in the run-up to the 2021 elections after Museveni said some Ugandan use itrs were using it to spread misinformation.
Waiswa said some users were collecting personal data and location details from Ugandans and using them to commit fraud. He said this amounted to breaches under the Computer Misuse Act.
According to him, the government acted after Facebook failed to control users who were repeatedly involved in online abuse. “There is no way we would sit back but take action,” Waiswa said.
He urged the public to use both mainstream and online platforms responsibly as the 2026 elections draw near. He said Ugandans must respect the rights of others and uphold ethical conduct, noting that digital technology has made it easy for anyone to call themselves a journalist.
At the same event, Julius Mucunguzi, the Electoral Commission spokesperson, asked all institutions involved in the election process, including the police, religious leaders, UCC, and the Uganda Human Rights Commission, to remind Ugandans to follow electoral laws.
On the issue of election violence, including incidents in which civilians and opposition supporters were killed, Mucunguzi apologised and said the country needed to confront the root causes of violence. He said this was essential for Uganda’s journey towards a credible, peaceful, and fair 2026 election.
Mucunguzi also confirmed that the commission will continue to handle nomination petitions without fear or favour. He said decisions regarding candidates such as Busiro East’s Mathias Walukagga, Nakawa West’s Joel Ssenyonyi, and the Leader of Opposition would be based purely on evidence from complainants and the accused.
