The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has cautioned Ugandans who bypass the Facebook ban using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), warning that they could face legal consequences.
The warning comes amid continued efforts by the public to access the social media platform, which has been blocked in Uganda since 2021.
Speaking at a joint press briefing organised by the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) this week, Dr Abudu Waiswa, UCC’s director of legal affairs, said VPN users are not beyond the reach of the law.
“We know you are using VPN to access Facebook, but that does not mean you are immune to legal action. We see everything, and when the time comes we can identify who posted what,” he said.
Waiswa encouraged the public to use legally accessible communication platforms responsibly, especially amid rising concerns over misinformation.
“At UCC, we encourage the public to use all communication platforms. But we keep reminding all users and consumers of communication services that you have a duty to ensure that whatever information you are airing is factual, fair, and for peace,” he added.
Facebook was blocked in Uganda ahead of the 2021 general elections, following the removal of at least 146 accounts linked to pro-government influencers, accused of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour.”
President Museveni later criticised Facebook’s actions as “discriminatory and unfair” and directed the ban, asserting that the platform had overstepped by interfering in Uganda’s internal affairs.
Despite public and stakeholder calls to restore the service, there is still no clarity on when, or if, Facebook will be unblocked.