The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT, Dr Aminah Zawedde, has dismissed claims that the government plans to shut down the internet ahead of next week’s General Election, saying no such directive has been issued or announced.
Zawedde made the clarification on Monday while speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, where she addressed public concerns about internet access and reports of possible disruptions to banking and mobile money services during the election period.
She said heightened political activity is normal as elections approach but warned that it has been accompanied by a surge in misleading information, especially online.
“As we near the election period, public participation naturally increases in any democracy,” Zawedde said. “Unfortunately, this has also come with a rise in misinformation, much of it circulating on digital platforms.”
She singled out claims about an impending internet shutdown as among the most common and misleading narratives currently being shared.
“One of the recurring allegations is that government intends to switch off the internet during the elections. This information is false,” she stated.
Zawedde reminded the public that online spaces are governed by existing laws, stressing that the Computer Misuse Act applies fully to digital platforms. She cautioned that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and within legal limits, particularly when it comes to spreading false or offensive content.
She also warned against live broadcasting or online streaming of riots and violent incidents, saying such actions can trigger fear, panic and instability.
“Responsible media coverage during elections is not optional,” she said. “It is critical to maintaining peace, public order and national stability. Media platforms must not be used to incite violence, spread false information or undermine confidence in the electoral process.”
Zawedde added that the government will not tolerate the abuse of traditional or digital media by individuals or political actors pursuing personal or political interests at the expense of public order.
She noted that the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), working with other stakeholders, is actively monitoring both broadcast and online media throughout the election period.
“Any violations will be handled in accordance with the law, including the application of regulatory sanctions where necessary,” she said.
