Uganda imposed a nationwide internet blackout starting Tuesday evening as authorities prepared for a January 15 general election. The Uganda Communications Commission instructed mobile network operators to block public internet access, citing a need to curb misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks. Internet monitor NetBlocks reported a widespread shutdown and warned that the measure would likely limit transparency and increase the risk of vote fraud. The UN Human Rights Office said open access to communication & information is key to free & genuine elections and affirmed that all Ugandans must be able to take part in shaping their future. Amnesty International condemned the restrictions as especially alarming amid a broader crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, and human rights defenders.
"Uganda is facing mounting calls to lift a nationwide internet blackout before a contentious election, with the United Nations saying the government-imposed restrictions are deeply worrying. In a social media post on Wednesday, the UN Human Rights Office stressed that open access to communication & information is key to free & genuine elections. All Ugandans must be able to take part in shaping their future & the future of their country, it said."
"The call comes a day after a Ugandan government regulatory body instructed mobile network operators to block public internet access, starting on Tuesday evening, as the East African country readied for a January 15 general election. Internet monitor NetBlocks said in its latest update on Wednesday that Uganda was in the midst of a widespread internet shutdown. Far from halting misinformation, the measure is likely to limit transparency and increase the risk of vote fraud, the group warned."
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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