Facebook Access Restored in Uganda After Five-Year Ban

Social media users in Uganda can once again freely access Facebook, marking the end of a long-standing restriction that necessitated the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Reports indicate that by Friday evening, users across various internet service providers confirmed that Facebook was accessible via both mobile data and Wi-Fi connections.

Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, welcomed the restoration, urging citizens to engage with the platform responsibly. “Let us use social media to promote our goods and services, foster constructive engagement, and mobilise communities for national development,” he stated, emphasizing the need to avoid misinformation and disrespectful content.

The lifting of the ban has sparked a range of reactions among Ugandans. Many expressed delight at being able to reconnect with the platform without technical workarounds, while others voiced skepticism about the timing and motivations behind the government’s decision. Journalist Canary Mugume was among those who noted the change, confirming access after a five-year absence.

Facebook, along with other social media platforms, was blocked in Uganda in January 2021, shortly before the general elections. The government cited concerns over the spread of misinformation and foreign interference in the country’s political affairs as the basis for the restrictions. The dispute reportedly arose after Facebook removed government-aligned accounts.

While no official detailed explanation has been provided for the restoration of access, this development signifies a notable shift in Uganda’s digital communication landscape and its relationship with international social media companies.

Read more at: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/43123/uganda-restores-facebook-access-after-years-of-restrictions