Uganda: President Museveni Imposes Tax on Social Media Usage to Curb Gossip

A new law has been passed by the Ugandan parliament to impose a social media tax on its citizens. The law which is billed to take effect from 1 July will see Ugandans paying 200 shillings ($0.05) as daily levy for the use of social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and others.

While pushing for the law, President Yoweri Museveni said that the use of these social media platforms greatly increased gossip. The President said the funds that will be generated from this tax will help the government manage the effects of gossip locally known as “olugambo”.

The Finister Minister, Matia Kasaiji, on his part said the government needed funds to improve security and electricity so the people can enjoy social media more often.

In 2016 during the Presidential elections, President Museveni shut down access to these platforms. According to him, he did that to stop the spreading of lies.

Source BBC Africa

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