Kyankwanzi, Uganda: The government has revealed plans to regulate social media use while simultaneously reducing internet costs in a new policy direction that seeks to shape online behaviour without imposing outright restrictions.
The groundbreaking announcement was made by the Minister for ICT and National Guidance Dr Chris Baryomunsi whilse speaking on Tuesday at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, saying government has already developed a national communication policy aimed at guiding responsible use of social media platforms.
“We have written a communication policy that will regulate the use of social media so that people can use it in a proper manner for self-development,” Dr Baryomunsi said.
He explained that the policy encourages citizens to deploy social media for business, education, research and personal growth, rather than misuse platforms for activities that undermine national cohesion or productivity.
The minister clarified that the government does not intend to block citizens from accessing social media. Instead, he said authorities plan to acquire content-filtering technologies to promote productive and responsible use of digital platforms.
“We are not blocking people. We want to filter content so that social media is used constructively,” Baryomunsi said.
His remarks come amid ongoing public debate over digital freedoms, misinformation and the role of the state in regulating online spaces.
Internet Costs to Fall Further
Beyond regulation, Baryomunsi said government efforts are also focused on lowering internet costs nationwide, citing progress made through expansion of digital infrastructure.
He noted that the National Backbone Infrastructure now connects Uganda directly to international internet gateways, improving speed and reliability. “We are working to spread fast and reliable internet across the country,” he said, adding that the cost of internet bandwidth has already dropped significantly over the years.
According to the minister, these reductions are a result of expanded fibre optic cable networks and diversification of Uganda’s internet routes.
“We used to have only one route, but we now have additional connections through Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. This competition helps reduce costs,” he explained.
Baryomunsi also revealed that government is engaging regional and international manufacturers to promote local production of digital devices, including phones and computers, as a way of lowering prices.
“We are lobbying manufacturers to produce phones and computers locally, which will help reduce prices,” he said, arguing that affordable devices, coupled with cheaper internet, would unlock new opportunities for Ugandans.
“If prices of phones, computers and internet are reduced, people will transact on their phones, study online and access services more easily. That is what government is working to achieve,” Baryomunsi said.
The government’s twin approach, regulating online conduct while expanding access, signals a broader strategy to integrate digital technologies into economic growth while maintaining oversight of Uganda’s fast-expanding online space.
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