The Committee to Protect Journalists has joined a rising record of organizations calling on Uganda’s authorities to keep up web connectivity. Rights activists are warning about state suppression and intimidation.
As Ugandans ready to forged their ballots in what observers contemplate one of the vital aggressive elections in Uganda’s political historical past, there was rising concern that President Yoweri Museveni has begun shutting down or limiting internet connection.
While engaged on this text, it was difficult to attach with DW correspondents in Uganda by way of WhatsApp or cellphone. The similar utilized to NGOs that advocate human rights and group growth.
“The internet is very slow. The network is not good at all,” Madina, a feminine resident in Kampala, advised DW. “We can’t download anything from Facebook. We can’t download anything. So we are in that situation.”
She mentioned the slowdown would have an effect on them rather a lot as a result of “for us, we use our phones to see what is going on in Uganda or other countries.”
Many Ugandans fear that the election will not be free and fair as a result of the federal government deployed the military to quell what it says may very well be post-election violence. The web slowdown could spell hassle for individuals like Madina.
“It had been good before, but it started like two days ago,” she mentioned.
“They don’t want us to know or get what will take place on January 14. That is what they are avoiding, maybe.”
The heavy safety presence in Uganda has been in comparison with a battle — not an election
‘Why are they closing the web?’
However, George Okawa, a Kampala resident, mentioned he had not witnessed any change in accessing the web.
“I’ve not confirmed it. They shouldn’t shut the web. Why are they closing the web? On my facet,
