Uganda Switches On Internet Days After Election

• Social media is still blocked.

• “Whatever was done was done for the good of the country“

Authorities in Uganda have reopened internet in the country after it was shut down prior to the widely disputed election.

Ekohotblog reports that the January 14 general election was held amid internet blackout as Museveni government crippled citizens’ access to the outside world.

Authorities in Kampala had said it took the measure to curb the dissemination  of hate and violence during the controversial and tumultuous January 14 elections.

The internet had been switched on after data collected showed that there would be no violence, Ofwono Opondo, government spokesman, said on Monday

He noted that people have accepted the outcome of the election. He, however, stated that authorities are on alert to forestall any trouble.

“Internet was switched off because people wanted to spread messages of hate and violence, as well as discredit the integrity of our elections,” Mr. Opondo said.

“We think now people have come to terms with the results. However, we remain on alert,” he added.

On January 13, a day before the country went for presidential and parliamentary elections the internet was switched off.

“Whatever was done was done for the good of the country. The opposition was affected and the ruling party was also affected. Even the general public was affected,” Mr. Opondo said.

Although the internet is now on, social media is still blocked.

In the Thursday election, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni won with 58.64 percent of the tallied votes while his closest rival Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi wine, got 34.83 percent.

The presidential race attracted 11 candidates.