By Ben Musanje
Uganda has launched a dramatic nationwide crackdown on online pornography, ordering the blocking of hundreds of websites in a bold move to tighten control over digital content.
During a press conference at Media Centre in Kampala on Tuesday, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) instructed telecom companies to block at least 500 websites accused of distributing pornographic material. The directive, issued on April 2, has now been fully implemented, with telecom operators restricting access to the identified platforms.
UCC Spokesperson Ibrahim Bossa explained that the action is firmly based on the Uganda Communications Act, which gives the Commission authority under Sections 5 and 10 to set standards, monitor communications, and enforce compliance across the sector.
He said that under Section 33 of the Act, the Commission is also empowered to enforce minimum broadcasting standards, including rules that prohibit content considered contrary to public morality and require that adult content, where it exists, is properly scheduled.
He further stated that the standards do not allow the broadcast of material that violates moral values and are designed to ensure public protection.
According to the Commission, the enforcement also relies on the Uganda Communications Content Regulations and provisions of the Penal Code Act, which criminalize offences against morality and aim to protect children from exposure to pornography.
Officials noted that the blocked websites include both local and international platforms, showing the widespread and cross-border nature of online content distribution.
However, the Commission acknowledged that enforcement is not absolute, explaining that some users are still able to access restricted content through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which allow them to bypass local internet controls. Bossa reportedly admitted that while telecom operators have complied with the directive, the use of such tools remains a major challenge in fully restricting access.
The UCC maintained that the action is intended to protect the public, particularly minors, from harmful material that could negatively affect their mental, moral, and ethical development.
The Commission further indicated that it will continue monitoring and enforcing compliance, suggesting that additional action may be taken against operators or platforms that violate Uganda’s communications and content regulations. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
