UCC asks internet service providers to block several news websites
The Uganda Communications Commission has written to all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) asking them to disable several news website for failure to register with the communication regulator.
Of recent, a number of online publications have been opened by individuals and various organisations in the country to serve the ever growing number of people accessing internet.
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However according to a letter signed by Fred Otunnu on behalf of the UCC Executive Director, on March 6, a notice was written to all online data communication service providers to apply and obtain authorization from the regulator but a few have heeded to the call.
“The purpose of this letter is to direct you to immediately suspend the provision of carriage services to any online data communication service provider /electronic media news provider that is not listed above or has not presented an authorisation certificate or other express clearance from the Uganda Communications Commission,” reads in part the directive by Otunnu dated April 19.
Recently, UCC issued a notice informing the public that starting that they would begin enforcing laws against people and organisations that provide services which involve any content shared by way of data, video, sound, still pictures or a combination of all of them.
“All online data communication service providers including online publishers, online news platforms, online radio and television operators are therefore advised to apply and obtain authorisation from the commission with immediate effect,” read part of the statement by UCC issued last month.
According to information provided by the communication regulator, only two news websites including the Nile Post and China Haijiang Online Africa Limited have completed the registration and authorised by UCC to continue operating.
The list also has 12 other online publications that have not yet completed application but the process is ongoing.
Reaction
The Committee to Protect Journalists in Africa was the first to express concern over what they termed as efforts to deny people access to information.
“The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned by reports that authorities have ordered internet service providers to shut down "unauthorised" news sites. President Museveni’s government should rethink this plan which will deny Ugandans access to information,” they posted on their twitter account.
“The beginning of the collapse of the digital era in this country. What are those unauthorised sites? Is Facebook authorised? What about Twitter? Aren't they sources of news,” one Mathias Ssemanda commented in regards to the directive by UCC.
