KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology and National Guidance has warned that media houses face immediate shutdown if they defy new guidelines prohibiting the livestreaming of unofficial election results or civil unrest.
During a joint press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Monday, ICT Permanent Secretary Aminah Zawedde told reporters that the government will not tolerate media misuse that could undermine national stability ahead of the Jan. 15 general election.
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“Defiant media houses or digital content creators will be switched off, besides taking legal action against responsible media houses or individuals,” Zawedde said.
She emphasized that while ICT platforms are vital for democratic participation, they must be used responsibly. Under the new directive, the government has banned the live broadcasting of riots, unlawful processions and violent incidents, citing their potential to escalate panic.
Zawedde was joined by Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, who clarified that the Electoral Commission remains the sole authority permitted to declare election results. Thembo warned that broadcasting unverified or premature outcomes is illegal and will attract regulatory sanctions.
The government officials also addressed rumors of a planned internet shutdown. Zawedde dismissed the claims as false, stating that the government has not directed any disruption of internet services for the election period.
Thembo reinforced this stance but cautioned that the UCC is actively monitoring digital platforms, including messaging apps like BitChat. He noted that the commission possesses the technical expertise to disable specific platforms if they are used to facilitate illegal activities or bypass regulations.
“We have the highest concentration of software engineers and developers in this country,” Thembo said. “Who can easily switch off such platforms if the need arises.”
With more than 21 million voters expected to cast ballots at 50,739 polling stations, the ministry urged all journalists and digital publishers to rely exclusively on verified information from official sources to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
