Amnesty International has warned that restrictions on live broadcasts and public communication in Uganda could make it increasingly difficult to monitor and document human rights violations ahead of the January 15 elections.

Amnesty International researcher Sikula Oniala said the authorities appeared intent on sealing off all possible channels of communication, both within Uganda and beyond its borders. “The authorities would want to shut down any possible means of communication internally and outside the country because they are trying to seal any loophole that could be utilised by people,” Oniala said.

Amnesty says the Ugandan authorities have banned live coverage of riots and what they term unlawful processions, citing concerns that such broadcasts could escalate tensions in the run-up to the polls.

The Ugandan government has, however, rejected the allegations, dismissing the reports as false and misleading. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and National Guidance has also sought to allay fears of a broader clampdown, saying the government has not announced or implemented any decision to block internet access.

Oniala warned that any restrictions on communication would have serious consequences for accountability. “If that happens, it becomes very difficult to monitor and document human rights violations,” he said.

Rights groups say the developments echo previous election periods in Uganda, when limitations on media freedom and access to information raised concerns over transparency and the protection of civil liberties.

–ChannelAfrica–