Speaker sets UCC to get those 'abusing' her on social media

The Speaker suggested that those responsible for spreading negative messages about her on social media "need prayers".

PARLIAMENT | Speaker Anita Among has urged the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to launch an investigation into individuals behind the dissemination of malicious information about her on social media.

This request comes in response to allegations that she had verbally attacked David Bahati, the minister of state for industries, during a plenary discussion on government-imposed taxes that triggered protests among traders.

UCC is the government agency tasked with regulation of the communication sector, including the social media.

The Speaker suggested that those responsible for spreading negative messages about her on social media "need prayers".

"There are individuals who are exploiting social media to tarnish the reputations of others," she said.

"Minister Bahati is a dedicated public servant, and it is disheartening to witness him being targeted. This situation raises concerns about the state of our country."

The Speaker questioned how individuals could stoop so low as to abuse it to such extent.

"I consider myself fortunate for not being on social media because I avoid unnecessary stress," Among said.

"There have been circulating falsehoods on social media alleging that I berated Minister Bahati, claiming he is one of the most incompetent individuals to run the Ministry of Trade, which is why traders are protesting," she added.

Among strongly refuted these claims, labeling them as false, baseless, and highly malicious.

"I urge the UCC to thoroughly investigate these allegations and identify the individuals behind them," she said.