New communication policy to guide social media use – Baryomunsi
The Ugandan government is advancing plans for a new national communication policy designed to guide responsible social media use without restricting access, ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has revealed. The policy aims to promote productive online engagement in areas such as education, business, and personal development, rather than blocking platforms outright.
Speaking from Kyankwanzi, Dr. Baryomunsi emphasized that the strategy will rely on content-filtering technologies to encourage constructive interactions online. “We are not banning anyone. Our goal is to ensure social media supports growth, learning, and entrepreneurship,” he explained.
The announcement comes amid a steady decline in internet costs, driven by expanded fibre-optic networks and multiple international connectivity routes through Rwanda, Tanzania, DR Congo, and South Sudan. To complement these efforts, the government is actively encouraging local production of smartphones and computers, aiming to make digital devices more affordable for Ugandans.
Experts see this approach as a dual strategy: widening access to digital tools and connectivity while introducing mechanisms to oversee online spaces. By combining regulatory guidance with infrastructure expansion, Uganda is positioning itself to strengthen its digital economy and promote responsible online engagement.
