It is emerging that the government of Uganda is putting internet service providers to block popular social network platforms to stop the opposition from using them to mobilise people for the ongoing walk to work protests.
Page two of UCC letter
A letter is circulating confirming showing that the Uganda Communications Commission asked the internet service providers to block twitter and facebook so that people dont use the two social media platforms to mobile each other.
The letter circulating is addressed to several internet service providers and signed by Quinto Ojok as Acting Executive Director of Uganda Communication Commission, the industry regulator reads as follows:
“We have received a request from the security agencies that there is need to minimise the use of media that may escalate violence to the public in respect to the ongoing situation due to the demonstration relating to “walk to work”, mainly by the opposition in the country. As a stakeholder that has communications infrastructures that host media such as facebook and tweeter (sic), the Commission wishes to request your indulgence in this matter.
You are therefore required to block the use of as facebook and tweeter (sic) for 24 hours as of now, that is 14th April 2011 at 3:30pm to eliminate the connection and sharing of information that incites the public.”
Efforts to establish whether this letter is authentic and if it is, how many telecom companies complied with were not successful as most people called refused to comment.
Many people last Thursday complained of failing to access their facebook and twitter accounts, especially customers of Uganda Telecom. The company Marketing and Communication Manager, Mark Kaheru however denied Utl blocked the two popular sites, saying there was a temporary interruption.
Page one of UCC letter