After Uganda’s election, several individuals have been arrested under charges of using media to incite violence. The move has targeted journalists and social media users.
They are arresting people for inciting violence by posting material on social media.
One Uganda One People ✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌
— Geoffrey D. Obbo (@geoffobbo13) February 29, 2016
This move comes after access to social media and mobile money services was cut off during the election on 18th February, with many users resorting to virtual private networks to get connected.
In response to this shutdown, twenty organizations including Hivos East Africa, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) have written a petition to the United Nations and the African Union, condemning the move.
Uganda: UN, AU Petitioned Over Internet Shutdown in Uganda: [CIO] At least 20 organisations from all over Afri… https://t.co/EOyNFSO5L5
— AFFRAW (@AffRawNetwork) February 29, 2016
Following the election and subsequent announcement of results, access to social media and mobile money services was restored.
The crackdown is moving from social media to more mainstream media, with journalists arrested while covering protests in the aftermath of the election.
Abubaker Muwonge, a Journalist working with an American Agency is under arrest for filming this protest #Uganda https://t.co/T5PVn4aamU
— Chapter Four Uganda (@chapterfourug) February 29, 2016
Several journalists have been arrested outside Besigye’s residence.
It's becoming increasingly unsafe for #journalists to report from #Uganda— several arrested earlier today #PostElectionUganda
— Evelyn Lirri (@Elirri) February 29, 2016
Journalists covering Kizza Besigye's house arrest picked up by police outside his home. Not allowed to go back. 2nd time in 3 days #Uganda
— Catherine Byaruhanga (@cathkemi) February 29, 2016
One journalist from NBS reporting from the vicinity of his house put under arrest, and his equipment confiscated.
JUST IN: NBS reporter @elijahturya arrested alongside his cameraman while reporting from outside Besigye's home pic.twitter.com/o27FZIzdfz
— NBS Television (@nbstv) February 29, 2016
All this was caught on camera.
VIDEO: Our very own Elijah Turyagumanawe arrested by the police outside Kizza Besigye's home while reporting live. Posted by NBS Television on Monday, 29 February 2016
