Uganda has asked Google to close 14 YouTube channels for allegedly mobilizing riots.

Uganda Communications Commission has asked Google to close at least 14 YouTube channels for mobilizing riots. Recently were up in arms in November when they had protests that took place where 50 deaths and several injuries occurred.

Which channels were told to close?

The channels in the blacklist include TMO Online, Lumbuye Fred, Trending Channel UG, Uganda Yaffe, Uganda News Updates, Ghetto TV, Busesa Media Updates and Uganda Empya. Others are Map Mediya TV, KK TV, Ekyooto TV, Namungo Media, JB Muwonge 2 and Bobi Wine 2021.

How did the channels instigate anything?

According to the UCC the channels mentioned were used to mobilize deadly protests which led to the loss of lives and destruction of properly in Kampala. The unrest was caused by the arrest of National Unity Platform also known as Bobi Wine.

The concerns were raised to Google after the Internal Affairs minister who chairs the National Security Council and the Uganda police force put out a request after they received complaints from stakeholders about the videos that were published on YouTube.

The Ugandan government has been accused of creating propaganda and filtering the media. Currently the UCC has accused a number of communication platforms of going against the Ugandan communications act Act of 2013 and regulation 8 (2) of the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulation 2019.

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