Kampala – As Uganda approaches its 2026 general elections, the profound impact of social media on the country’s democratic processes has become increasingly evident.
Data from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) indicates that internet penetration in Uganda has risen to over 52%, with more than 12 million Ugandans actively using social media platforms.
This digital revolution has transformed how information is accessed and shared, empowering citizens to engage in national discourse, particularly among the youth who constitute nearly 75% of the population.
The 2024 National Housing and Population Census reported that 43% of Ugandans aged 10 and above now own mobile phones, roughly 13.6 million people. This technological leap has coincided with a rise in social media users, particularly among the youth, urban dwellers, and wealthier demographics. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (now X), and WhatsApp have become vital tools for political engagement and grassroots activism.
A 2024 survey conducted by Twaweza’s Sauti za Wananchi revealed that the proportion of Ugandans accessing information via social media increased to 3%, up from 1% seven years earlier.
Marie Nanyanzi, a Senior Programs Officer at Twaweza Uganda, emphasized that social media has significantly promoted democracy by enhancing political participation, accountability, dialogue, and activism.
“In Uganda, we’ve witnessed the power of social media campaigns, which have prompted duty bearers to respond to citizens’ concerns. However, it’s worth noting that social media usage is largely dominated by the youth, urbanites, and the wealthy, creating a risk of exclusion for those who don’t fit into these categories,” said Nanyanzi.
Recent campaigns like #UgandaParliamentExhibition and #UgandaPotholeExhibition have highlighted the power of collective digital activism. These initiatives compelled government agencies to address public concerns and prompted policy changes.
Agather Atuhaire, a human rights advocate who participated in these online exhibitions, pointed out that social media has democratized expression in ways that traditional media often could not.
“Social media has played a vital role in providing a platform for many Ugandans. It allows everyone to share their opinions, express themselves, and gives us a chance to hear from a diverse range of Ugandans, which is not always possible in mainstream media. As a result, social media has significantly enhanced our freedom of expression,” said Atuhaire
Atuhaire however highlighted the challenges posed by this unfiltered medium, including the proliferation of misinformation, cyberbullying, and political propaganda.
“The challenges of social media are numerous. With unlimited access and no gatekeepers or editors, it has created an environment where anyone can write whatever they feel, regardless of training or professionalism. This has led to a proliferation of disinformation and misinformation, placing the burden on consumers to decipher what is true and what is false. Furthermore, online attacks and cyberbullying have caused significant mental health issues. While I personally find these challenges troubling, I believe that if the benefits of social media outweigh the disadvantages, we must learn to live with them,” she added.
The Ugandan government has both participated in and regulated the digital transformation. During the 2021 elections, the opposition heavily relied on social media for campaigning, prompting the state to impose measures such as the infamous social media tax and a nationwide internet shutdown. These actions were widely criticized as attempts to stifle dissent.
To address issues such as hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying, the Ugandan government introduced the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act of 2022. The law prescribes penalties, including up to seven years’ imprisonment for offenses such as sharing malicious information, unauthorized access to data, and the transmission of hate speech.
Asumin Nasike, the Mbale Resident City Commissioner, underscored the importance of using these platforms responsibly, stressing the need for factual and verified communication. She stated that while social media provides access to information, it should be used to promote harmony and transparency.
“We urge the public to be cautious when sharing information on platforms like WhatsApp. We encourage you to verify the accuracy of the information, even if it’s negative, as long as it’s factual. The government has ensured that every individual has access to information, as per the act that was passed,” said Nasike.
As Uganda approaches its next election cycle, the role of social media will be pivotal. While platforms enable rapid information sharing and grassroots mobilization, they also challenge citizens and institutions to navigate the dual threats of misinformation and state censorship.