Leading press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned Uganda’s Communications Commission for ordering the blocking of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter earlier this month.
In their statement published on Monday, the journalists’ rights group highlights the need for governments to take a hands off approach to the Internet and freedom of speech.
According to the Uganda commission, the shutting down of sites was in an effort to “reduce the threat of violence.” It came after activists announced plans for protests in anger of higher prices and corruption in the country.
Despite the government’s calls for a blackout, some operators refused to abide by the ruling and online activity went on as usual.
Protests in Uganda are gaining steam.
By Jonathan Terry
