Gender, labour and social development minister Frank Tumwebaze has petitioned Houlin Zhao, the Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), regarding the blocking of Facebook and Twitter accounts opposed to National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.
Facebook and Twitter have blocked hundreds of accounts of pro-National Resistance Movement (NRM) accounts over alleged violations.
But pro-government commentators say the move big techs’ way of influencing local politics.
“Big techs like Twitter and Facebook are being used by opponents of NRMOnline to stifle pro-NRM voices in Uganda. They should “unfreeze” accounts they froze yesterday and today. We pray UCC is watching and can act to ensure a fair digital playfield. Stop Techcolonisation,” wrote President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni’s senior press secretary Don Wanyama.
Now, Tumwebaze, the former ICT minister, has petitioned ITU to immediately prioritize the discussion on the threats big techs have on nations.
“Please ITU, one of the threats we must speak against in our digital ecosystem is this abuse of communication platforms by tech giants,” Tumwebaze urged ITU secretary general Houlin Zhao.
“Connectivity shouldn’t be a right to enjoy at the mercy of Tech giants. Facebook should unblock selectively targeted Ugandan accounts ASAP!”
