Uganda switches on internet after days of shutdown, blocks social media

Uganda on Monday switched on the internet after it had shut it down on Jan 13, fearing that it would be used to spread messages of hate and violence amid the country’s general elections held on Jan 14.
Ofwono Opondo, government spokesperson, said the internet had been switched on after data collected indicated that there would be no violence.

“Internet was switched off because people wanted to spread messages of hate and violence, as well as discredit the integrity of our elections,” Mr Opondo said.

“We think now people have come to terms with the results. However, we remain on alert,” he added.

On Jan 13, a day before the country went for presidential and parliamentary elections, the internet was switched off.

“Whatever was done was done for the good of the country. The opposition was affected and the ruling party was also affected. Even the general public was affected,” Mr Opondo said.

Although the internet is now on, social media is still blocked.

In the Thursday election, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni won with 58.64 per cent of the tallied votes while his closest rival Robert Kyagulanyi got 34.83 per cent.

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The presidential race attracted 11 candidates.

M Museveni, 76, has been in power since 1986 after participating in two successful rebellions that ousted Idi Amin and Milton Obote from power.

Quite a handful of opposition elements and their supporters believe the January 13 election was massively compromised to return Mr Museveni to power again.

(Xinhua/NAN)