Uganda Cracks Down on Cybercrimes with New Anti-Hate Speech Law
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has signed a new law aimed at curbing cybercrimes, including online hate speech and defamation. The law imposes heavy fines and jail terms for individuals found guilty of spreading malicious content on the internet.
Details:
The law, titled the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Act of 2025, criminalizes the use of social media platforms and websites to spread hate speech, incite violence, and defame public figures.
The Act introduces penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to 50 million shillings for violators.
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the potential for censorship, urging the government to ensure that the law does not infringe on freedom of speech.
What’s Next:
The law’s implementation is expected to begin in December 2025, and the government is expected to roll out public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the new legal framework.
Uganda Cracks Down on Cybercrimes with New Anti-Hate Speech Law
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has signed a new law aimed at curbing cybercrimes, including online hate speech and defamation. The law imposes heavy fines and jail terms for individuals found guilty of spreading malicious content on the internet.
Details:
The law, titled the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Act of 2025, criminalizes the use of social media platforms and websites to spread hate speech, incite violence, and defame public figures.
The Act introduces penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to 50 million shillings for violators.
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the potential for censorship, urging the government to ensure that the law does not infringe on freedom of speech.
What’s Next:
The law’s implementation is expected to begin in December 2025, and the government is expected to roll out public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the new legal framework.
