Uganda's media regulator just slapped a total gag order on unofficial election results. The Uganda Communications Commission barred all broadcasters and social media users from declaring any results not issued by the Electoral Commission. UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo issued the directive, calling such acts unlawful and threatening sanctions for violations.
The order specifically prohibits radio and TV stations from airing parallel vote tallies or projections from political parties or other groups. Nyombi argued that broadcasting speculative results undermines public confidence and could cause disorder. Even official results must be presented exactly as released by the Electoral Commission, with stations keeping full records.
Social media users and online group administrators also fall under the directive. They face criminal liability for sharing false or inflammatory election information under the Computer Misuse Act. Platform hosts bear responsibility for moderating content, with failure considered an offence.
Non-compliance risks include warnings, fines, broadcast suspensions, or prosecution. This enforcement push coincides with final preparations for the general elections. Authorities recently blocked an unauthorized website promoting voter registration details, citing data protection concerns.
The Electoral Commission confirmed a national voter register containing over twenty-one million names. This register will serve as the sole document for verifying voter eligibility. These measures aim to maintain public order and trust in the electoral process ahead of the polls.
The order specifically prohibits radio and TV stations from airing parallel vote tallies or projections from political parties or other groups. Nyombi argued that broadcasting speculative results undermines public confidence and could cause disorder. Even official results must be presented exactly as released by the Electoral Commission, with stations keeping full records.
Social media users and online group administrators also fall under the directive. They face criminal liability for sharing false or inflammatory election information under the Computer Misuse Act. Platform hosts bear responsibility for moderating content, with failure considered an offence.
Non-compliance risks include warnings, fines, broadcast suspensions, or prosecution. This enforcement push coincides with final preparations for the general elections. Authorities recently blocked an unauthorized website promoting voter registration details, citing data protection concerns.
The Electoral Commission confirmed a national voter register containing over twenty-one million names. This register will serve as the sole document for verifying voter eligibility. These measures aim to maintain public order and trust in the electoral process ahead of the polls.
