In Kampala, Uganda, right-to-information activists have requested that the government respect citizens’ access to information by reinstating Facebook, one of the online social networking services owned by American technology giant Meta Platforms.
This request comes in response to the ban on Facebook imposed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in January 2021. The ban followed Facebook’s deletion of accounts operated by government officials, citing concerns of attempting to manipulate public debate before general polls.
The call for Facebook’s restoration was made during the commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information at the National Information Communication Technology – ICT Innovation Hub Nakawa in Kampala. The event was organized by Twaweza, an East African NGO operating in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The 2023 celebration adopted the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO’s global theme: “The Importance of the Online Space for Access to Information” with a subtheme of “Ensuring Universal Access in a Digital Era.” The objective was to promote a free and secure online space and digital access to information.
Dr. John Baptist Imoka, a Lecturer at Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication, called on the government to refrain from restricting access to information on online platforms and interfering with the activities of such digital platforms, including Facebook.
Dr. Imokola argued that people’s rights to access and distribute information on online platforms were being curtailed under the guise of enforcing cybersecurity, which fundamentally violated the Access to Information Act (No. 6 of 2005) and Article 41 of the Constitution.
Charity Komujjurizi, an official from the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), highlighted that over 33 out of 45 million Ugandans already lacked access to the internet. This limitation in access to information deprived them of opportunities related to employment and other development programs.
Safia Nalule Jjuuko, the Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission – EOC, argued that the digital information era was inevitable in the modern world and was essential for true democracy, transparent governance, and sustainable development.
According to a 2021 report by the International Telecommunications Union – ITU, 33 percent of the world’s population, totaling 7.888 billion people, were not connected to the Internet.
Godfrey Kabbyanga, the Minister of State for National Guidance, who officiated the event, emphasized the government’s commitment to digitally transform the country. He explained that the roadmap to digital transformation was not just a vision but a working strategy being implemented each day.
The Minister cited key initiatives under this roadmap, including Digital Literacy Programs for youth and elders, Digital Infrastructure expansion to ensure internet accessibility in remote areas, and government e-services aimed at achieving transparency and accountability.
Kabbyanga praised the Africa Freedom of Information Centre – AFIC and Twaweza East Africa for their instrumental role in Uganda’s digital transformation. They created awareness on Access to Information (ATI), developed portals like the Ask Your Government portal, and enhanced the capacity of more than 400 public officials, over 600 citizen champions, and community groups.
“There are on-ground insights, feedback, and tireless efforts that have shaped many policies and projects, including the ongoing process to review and amend the ATI Act 2005 and the digital transformation roadmap,” said Kabbyanga.
