Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has praised the government's efforts to regulate social media, highlighting the unintended benefits of the temporary internet shutdown during the recent election period.
The nationwide digital blackout, which lasted from January 13 to 18, temporarily disconnected Ugandans from online platforms.
Mubaje, a long-time advocate for regulating social media due to concerns over its misuse, particularly among the youth, reflected on the positive side of the disruption.
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He noted that the temporary loss of internet services led to an unexpected outcome: families reconnecting and rediscovering traditional forms of social engagement.
Speaking at the weekly National Management Committee meeting on Tuesday, Mubaje humorously observed that the government's decision to regulate social media during the elections aligned with his past calls for greater oversight of digital platforms.
"I have heard that during the few days when the internet was shut down, many families were amazingly reunited. People sat together in the traditional way, shared meals, and followed events through television and radio," Mubaje said with a smile.
He added, "This hasn't happened for a long time because people had become too absorbed in their gadgets."
During the same meeting, Mubaje congratulated Uganda's newly elected national leaders, including President-elect Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Members of Parliament, and Women Legislators from across the country.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the generally peaceful conduct of the elections, despite a few isolated incidents.
"We thank Almighty Allah for listening to our fervent prayers and granting us divine protection. The general situation during the election period was peaceful, with only a few isolated incidents. We beseech God to heal those who were injured and pray for those who lost their lives," the Mufti said.
He also expressed hope that the country would continue to experience peace as the electoral process concludes across all leadership structures.
Mubaje's remarks on social media regulation come amid growing criticism of periodic internet shutdowns, particularly during elections.
However, his lighthearted reflection highlights how the blackout inadvertently increased face-to-face interactions and encouraged a return to more traditional forms of communication, despite the negative impact on access to information and personal freedoms.
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"I believe this has been a good reminder of how we can connect in a more meaningful way, especially at a time when many are absorbed by technology," he added.
Meanwhile, on Monday, two lawyers filed a case at the High Court challenging the legality of the nationwide internet shutdown imposed from January 13 to 18.
Lawyers Michael Aboneka and Raymond Amumpaire argue that the shutdown violated several constitutional rights, including freedom of speech, access to information, and the right to participate in government and professional work.
The petition names the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), MTN Uganda, Lyca Mobile, and Airtel Uganda as respondents.
The applicants are asking the court to declare the shutdown illegal, order full restoration of internet services, compensate each applicant Shs100 million, refund unused internet bundles, and issue an injunction to prevent future arbitrary shutdowns.
The shutdown, which was partially lifted on Sunday, occurred just days before Uganda's general elections on January 15.
