Yesterday, May 11, all social media (including Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp) were blocked in Uganda due to the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday of President Yoweri Museveni, whose re-election sparked protests and a crackdown on dissent.
Museveni, who is already 71 years old, officially won 60 percent of the vote in February, allowing him to take on another term and extend his rule to 35 years.
The country’s opposition cried foul and protests broke out, leading to some clashes with police and dozens of arrests.
Recently police arrested Kizza Besigye – the opposition leader after a street protest.
The authorities in Uganda blocked social media during voting and shortly afterwards, a move criticized at the time by the United States and rights groups, who said it undermined the integrity of the process.
EU monitors said the election was held in an intimidating atmosphere and the electoral body lacked independence and transparency. Ugandan officials said it was free and fair, and dismiss accusations that they have clamped down on free speech.
The government had also banned any live television or radio coverage of protests.
Opposition to Museveni is strongest among youths in urban areas, where frustration has been fueled by unemployment, corruption and crumbling public services.
Museveni has been credited with restoring order after years of chaotic rule since coming to power in 1986. The economy has been growing, but experts say it has failed to keep pace with the rising population.
Critics also complain about Museveni’s failure to stem corruption and a clampdown on opposition voices.
Unblock Social Media in Uganda
Many people want to get an access to social media in Uganda, but all of them are blocked. Besides that you must be safe and secure if you want to open restricted resources in Uganda.
The best solution for this is using a VPN service – virtual private network. This is safe and private.
Find out more about a VPN here.
#Uganda blocks social media, clamps down before president sworn in | Top News | Reuters https://t.co/dz13Og9i0J pic.twitter.com/qfOp2LY29B
— Reuters Africa (@ReutersAfrica) May 12, 2016