Uganda Sets Registration Deadline for Social Media Users

Bloggers and social media users with a large following are among those that will have to register with the Ugandan Communication Commission for monitoring before October 5, 2020, according to the organisation's public notice. The regulating of communication services is intended to "promote and safeguard the interest of consumers, operators, viewers and listeners," according to the notice. Some have criticized this new development, saying it seeks to silence the media as the country gears up for the 2021 elections. In June 2020, the National Electoral Commission announced that candidates standing for election will conduct digital or virtual campaigns in an attempt to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus.