Uganda leader defends social media shut down ahead of poll

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Uganda leader defends social media shut down ahead of poll Myjoyonline.com
Uganda Blocks Facebook Ahead of Contentious Election The New York Times
Refusing to retire, Uganda's Museveni doubles down on power News24
Refusing to retire, Uganda’s president, Museveni, doubles down on power Vanguard
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Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has accused social media giant Facebook of arrogance and bias as he confirmed ordering the shut down of social media and messaging apps ahead of Thursday’s election. Mr Museveni, dressed in a military jacket, said in a televised speech that he would not accept anybody playing with the country or decide […]

Uganda leader defends social media shut down ahead of poll - MyJoyOnline.com

Uganda opposition presidential candidate don raise alarm say less dan 24 hours to di kontri elections, US observers neva get accreditation.Uganda opposition presidential candidate don raise alarm say less dan 24 hours to di kontri elections, US observers neva get accreditation.

One of Africa’s most prominent literary figures says the election will be crucial for the continentOne of Africa’s most prominent literary figures says the election will be crucial for the continent

Wole Soyinka: 'One casualty of the Capitol riot will be Uganda's election' | Global development | The Guardian

The government has cracked down on the opposition for months.The government has cracked down on the opposition for months.

Who is Bobi Wine? - The Washington Post

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Uganda’s 2021 presidential election is shaping up to be as unfree and unfair as ever. Bobi Wine, a candidate for President of Uganda, speaks out.Uganda’s 2021 presidential election is shaping up to be as unfree and unfair as ever. Bobi Wine, a candidate for President of Uganda, speaks out.

The West Helped Cripple Uganda’s Democracy | Foreign Affairs

Opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyangulanyi has repeatedly been underestimated by government supporters and critics since he first ran for parliament.Opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyangulanyi has repeatedly been underestimated by government supporters and critics since he first ran for parliament.

Bobi Wine has shaken up Ugandan politics: four things worth knowing about him

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni reacts with defiance to international criticism of a government crackdown on the opposition and Facebook closing down the ruling party's account, two days before presidential and parliamentary pollsUgandan President Yoweri Museveni reacts with defiance to international criticism of a government crackdown on the opposition and Facebook closing ...

'We don't need lectures': Uganda President Museveni to foreign critics | Africanews

Uganda ordered internet service providers to block all social media platforms and messaging apps on Tuesday until further notice, a letter from the country's communications regulator seen by Reuters said.Uganda ordered internet service providers to block all social media platforms and messaging apps on Tuesday until further notice, a letter from the country's communications regulator seen by Reuters said.

Uganda orders all social media to be blocked - letter | Reuters

It has been billed as a generational battle. Africa's gaze is turning to Uganda and the tense homestretch to Thursday's presidential election. 38-year-old pop star-cum-opposition leader Bobi Wine is…It has been billed as a generational battle. Africa's gaze is turning to Uganda and the tense homestretch to Thursday's presidential election. 38-year-old pop star-cum-opposition leader Bobi Wine is…

Which way for Uganda? Bobi Wine takes on longtime incumbent Museveni - The Debate

President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, spoke to NPR ahead of Thursday's election. His main challenger, Bobi Wine, said Tuesday the military had killed his driver and his home had been raided.President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, spoke to NPR ahead of Thursday's election. His main challenger, Bobi Wine, said Tuesday the military had killed his driver and his home had been raided.

Uganda's Museveni Defends Violent Crackdown In Bid For 6th Term : NPR

Bobi Wine is bidding to unseat Uganda’s authoritarian president, Yoweri Museveni, in Thursday's election.Wine, who has been arrested several times, has taken to wearing a bulletproof vest in his final campaign rallies before the election Thursday.

Arrested, tear-gassed but still singing: Pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine takes on Uganda's 'strongman'

Press Release - Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni holds a nearly 3-to-1 lead over challenger Bobi Wine among registered voters willing to declare their voting intentions ahead of Thursday's election, a new Afrobarometer survey shows, but many respondents would not say how they intended to vote, so the final outcome may be much closer. The nation could also be headed toward electing a more closely divided Parliament.Press Release - Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni holds a nearly 3-to-1 lead over challenger Bobi Wine among registered voters willing to declare their voting intentions ahead of Thursday's election, a new Afrobarometer survey shows, but many respondents would not say how they intended to vote, so the final outcome may be much closer. The nation could also be headed toward electing a more closely divided Parliament.

Uganda: Museveni Holds Clear Lead, but Many Don't Reveal Preferences - allAfrica.com

Wine, who is challenging the country's long-time President Yoweri Museveni in Thursday's vote, said all his security guards were arrested by the army.Wine, who is challenging the country's long-time President Yoweri Museveni in Thursday's vote, said all his security guards were arrested by the army.

Uganda's Bobi Wine accuses military of raiding his home

Bloomberg - Are you a robot?

Wine was doing a live radio interview with Kenya's Hot 96 FM station when the reported raid took place. Wine was doing a live radio interview with Kenya's Hot 96 FM station when the reported raid took place.

Uganda: Presidential candidate Bobi Wine says army raided his home, arrested staff | World News,The Indian Express

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Tuesday that his government has shut down social media ahead of a tense election on Thursday, accusing Facebook and unnamed outside... KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Tuesday that his government has shut down social media ahead of a tense election on Thursday, accusing Facebook and unnamed outside...

Pop star-turned-politician poses the strongest challenge to longtime President Yoweri Museveni’s bid to win sixth termPop star-turned-politician poses the strongest challenge to longtime President Yoweri Museveni’s bid to win sixth term

Ordinary Ugandans have been pouring their social and political grievances onto social media platforms, spawning debates around accountability and governance.Ordinary Ugandans have been pouring their social and political grievances onto social media platforms, spawning debates around accountability and governance.

- Move part of broader ban on social media platforms ahead of polls - Anadolu Agency- Move part of broader ban on social media platforms ahead of polls - Anadolu Agency

Uganda’s president bans Facebook for being ‘arrogant’

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Page Unavailable - ABC News

Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine said soldiers raided his home on Tuesday and arrested his security guards, two days before an election.Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine said soldiers raided his home on Tuesday and arrested his security guards, two days before an election.

Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine says military raided his home | News24

Facebook has shut down several accounts of a network in Uganda linked to the country’s Ministry of Information.Facebook has shut down several accounts of a network in Uganda linked to the country’s Ministry of Information.

Facebook Shuts Down Accounts Linked to Ugandan Information Ministry | Voice of America - English

US won't observe Uganda's election as accreditations denied | 2021/01/13US won't observe Uganda's election as accreditations denied

US won't observe Uganda's election as accreditations denied | Taiwan News | 2021/01/13

Naharnet is the leading Lebanese news destination, breaking the news as it happens! Ugandans vote Thursday in a highly-charged election after one of the bloodiest campaigns in years, as veteran leader Yoweri Museveni seeks a sixth term against a singer-turned-lawmaker half his age. Bobi Wine, the...

Uganda to Vote Following Violent Pre-election Crackdown — Naharnet

Museveni defended the social media shutdown as a response to Facebook's closure of accounts of the ruling NRM partyMuseveni defended the social media shutdown as a response to Facebook's closure of accounts of the ruling NRM party

The thing about this is that since the colonial times, on to our man Idi Amin and Museveni himself, the road to power for EVERY regime and leader has always been through Buganda The thing about this is that since the colonial times, on to our man Idi Amin and Museveni himself, the road to power for EVERY regime and leader has always been through Buganda

What Muhoozi said, and Museveni’s southern front - Daily Monitor

403 Naughty, not nice!

Never has a political contest in Uganda’s history been so furiously played out in the media space as the 2021 national elections.Never has a political contest in Uganda’s history been so furiously played out in the media space as the 2021 national elections.

Social media seized the narrative in Uganda's election. Why this was good for democracy

After banning the US president and other voices challenging Joe Biden’s election victory, Twitter is aghast that Uganda has shut down the social media conversation two days before voters there go to the polls.After banning the US president and other voices challenging Joe Biden’s election victory, Twitter is aghast that Uganda has shut down the social media conversation two days before voters there go to the polls.

Fresh from censoring select voices before and after US election, Twitter howls ‘HUMAN RIGHTS’ as Uganda shuts down social media — RT USA News

In the midst of a tough week for America, there have been flashes of comedy.In the midst of a tough week for America, there have been flashes of comedy.

Observers predict a Museveni win, but, unlike previous years, there are a few fundamental shifts in the country he has ruled for 34 years.Observers predict a Museveni win, but, unlike previous years, there are a few fundamental shifts in the country he has ruled for 34 years.

Dark clouds as Ugandans face painful ballot test - The Standard

It was shut down due to 'unfair' suspension of NRM supporters' social media accounts, he says. It was shut down due to 'unfair' suspension of NRM supporters' social media accounts, he says.

Museveni: Why government shut down social media in Uganda - The East African

President Yoweri Museveni accused the company of “arrogance” after it removed fake accounts and pages linked to his re-election campaign.President Yoweri Museveni accused the company of “arrogance” after it removed fake accounts and pages linked to his re-election campaign.

The EFF has taken aim at Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni after he ordered a ban on social media, a day before electionsThe EFF has taken aim at Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni after he ordered a ban on social media, a day before elections

EFF slams Uganda social media ban ahead of elections

Wine’s party has helped develop an app that will help tally votes, but the electoral commission is restricting phones and cameras at polling stationsWine’s party has helped develop an app that will help tally votes, but the electoral commission is restricting phones and cameras at polling stations

Bobi Wine relying on tech-savvy youth in Ugandan elections

U.S. Embassy Kampala January 13, 2021 Kampala, Uganda Statement by U.S. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown on Cancellation of U.S. Diplomatic Observer Mission of Uganda’s Elections It is with profound disappointment that I announce U.S. Mission in Uganda’s decision to cancel our diplomatic observation of Uganda’s January 14 elections due to the decision by ...

Statement by U.S. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown on Cancellation of U.S. Diplomatic Observer Mission of Uganda’s Elections | U.S. Embassy in Uganda

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 12-Human rights defenders’ across Africa are now calling upon international organizations including the United Nations, African Union - Kenya breaking news | Kenya news today | Capitalfm.co.keNAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 12-Human rights defenders’ across Africa are now calling upon international organizations including the United Nations, African Union and the European Union to intervene in the ongoing assault of Uganda’s democracy ahead of Thursday polls. Ugandans vote Thursday in a highly-charged election after one of the bloodiest campaigns in years, as veteran leader […]

Lobbies demand action in Uganda rights violation » Capital News

KAMPALA (Reuters) - The United States has cancelled its observation of Uganda's presidential election because most of its accreditation requests were denied and said Thursday's vote would lack accountability and transparency. The announcement adds to a growing chorus of concern over the credibility of the election pitting Yoweri Museveni, one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, against 10 candidates including opposition frontrunner Bobi Wine, a popular singer. While previous elections have been marred by crackdowns on the opposition, campaigning this time has been particularly violent. Scores of people have been killed and opposition candidates, supporters and campaign staff have been repeatedly arrested and intimidated. The European Union said on Tuesday that the electoral process had been seriously tarnished by the excessive use of force and its offer to deploy a small team of electoral experts was not taken up. A coalition representing hundreds of Ugandan civil society organisations said on Wednesday that it had filed 1,900 accreditation requests but only 10 had been granted. Absent the robust participation of observers, particularly Ugandan observers who are answerable to their fellow citizens, Uganda's elections will lack the accountability, transparency and confidence that observer missions provide, the U.S. embassy in Uganda said in a statement tweeted by its ambassador. Museveni's spokesman Don Wanyama said the African Union and East African Community would deploy observers and he couldn't remember when Uganda last sent monitors to the United States. In an television address on Tuesday, Museveni dismissed interference by foreign partners saying they didn't understand that Uganda's strength came from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the army and the economy. We therefore don't need lectures about anything from anybody. Because there's nothing we don't know, said Museveni, wearing a military camouflage jacket. 'PREVENTATIVE INTIMIDATION' Uganda is a Western ally, a prospective oil producer and is considered a stabilising force in a region where war has plagued some neighbours. It also contributes the biggest contingent of an African Union force fighting Islamist insurgents in Somalia. Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, is one the first opposition politicians to channel the grievances of young people into a viable challenge and this has rattled the NRM, analysts say. With nearly 80% of its people under 30, Uganda has one of Africa's youngest populations. That means the majority of Ugandans were born after Museveni took power in 1986 following a five-year guerrilla war. More than a dozen European countries, Britain, Canada and the United States expressed their concern on Tuesday about media freedom and the harassment of reporters ahead of the vote. Reporters covering opposition protests have been attacked by the security forces. Last week, police chief Martin Okoth Ochola said reporters would be beaten for their own good, to stop them going to places where their lives might be at risk. It's hard to say there wont be violence, said a senior EU diplomat. Every bit of the security apparatus will be on the streets. Theoretically that brings calm, but I think we know that just brings flashpoints. Uganda also banned all social media platforms and messaging apps on Tuesday until further notice. Museveni apologised for the inconvenience but said Uganda had no choice after Facebook took down some accounts which backed his ruling party. In what analysts called a display of force amounting to preventative intimidation, a convoy of armoured military vehicles rolled through predominantly opposition areas of the capital Kampala on Tuesday. The systematic attempt to stop free information, to intimidate voters, and to harass opposition candidates means that this is no longer a credible election, said Nic Cheeseman, a professor of democracy at Birmingham University. (Reporting by Nairobi newsroom; Writing by Maggie Fick; Editing by David Clarke)KAMPALA (Reuters) - The United States has cancelled its observation of Uganda's presidential election because most of its accreditation requests were denied and said Thursday's vote would lack accountability and transparency. The announcement adds to a growing chorus of concern over the credibility of the election pitting Yoweri Museveni, one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, against 10 candidates including opposition frontrunner Bobi Wine, a popular singer. While previous elections have been marred by crackdowns on the opposition, campaigning this time has been particularly violent. Scores of people have been killed and opposition candidates, supporters and campaign staff have been repeatedly arrested and intimidated. The European Union said on Tuesday that the electoral process had been seriously tarnished by the excessive use of force and its offer to deploy a small team of electoral experts was not taken up. A coalition representing hundreds of Ugandan civil society organisations said on Wednesday that it had filed 1,900 accreditation requests but only 10 had been granted. "Absent the robust participation of observers, particularly Ugandan observers who are answerable to their fellow citizens, Uganda's elections will lack the accountability, transparency and confidence that observer missions provide," the U.S. embassy in Uganda said in a statement tweeted by its ambassador. Museveni's spokesman Don Wanyama said the African Union and East African Community would deploy observers and he couldn't remember when Uganda last sent monitors to the United States. In an television address on Tuesday, Museveni dismissed interference by foreign partners saying they didn't understand that Uganda's strength came from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the army and the economy. "We therefore don't need lectures about anything from anybody. Because there's nothing we don't know," said Museveni, wearing a military camouflage jacket. 'PREVENTATIVE INTIMIDATION' Uganda is a Western ally, a prospective oil producer and is considered a stabilising force in a region where war has plagued some neighbours. It also contributes the biggest contingent of an African Union force fighting Islamist insurgents in Somalia. Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, is one the first opposition politicians to channel the grievances of young people into a viable challenge and this has rattled the NRM, analysts say. With nearly 80% of its people under 30, Uganda has one of Africa's youngest populations. That means the majority of Ugandans were born after Museveni took power in 1986 following a five-year guerrilla war. More than a dozen European countries, Britain, Canada and the United States expressed their concern on Tuesday about media freedom and the harassment of reporters ahead of the vote. Reporters covering opposition protests have been attacked by the security forces. Last week, police chief Martin Okoth Ochola said reporters would be beaten for their own good, to stop them going to places where their lives might be at risk. "It's hard to say there wont be violence," said a senior EU diplomat. "Every bit of the security apparatus will be on the streets. Theoretically that brings calm, but I think we know that just brings flashpoints." Uganda also banned all social media platforms and messaging apps on Tuesday until further notice. Museveni apologised for the inconvenience but said Uganda had no choice after Facebook took down some accounts which backed his ruling party. In what analysts called a display of force amounting to preventative intimidation, a convoy of armoured military vehicles rolled through predominantly opposition areas of the capital Kampala on Tuesday. "The systematic attempt to stop free information, to intimidate voters, and to harass opposition candidates means that this is no longer a credible election," said Nic Cheeseman, a professor of democracy at Birmingham University. (Reporting by Nairobi newsroom; Writing by Maggie Fick; Editing by David Clarke)