Many Ugandans were on Sunday unable to access social media platforms after the government directive to charge users took effect.
Last month, Uganda’s parliament passed new laws that introduced a new tax for use of popular social media platforms which include WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Google Hangouts, Yahoo Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, Skype, and others, reports Daily Nation.
Users of these platforms are required to pay UGX200 (52 cents) daily before they can access them.
“Many Ugandans online unable to access social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp following the government’s directive to tax users UGX 200 daily before they can access them. The directive was effected today (Sunday) at midnight,” read a tweet from NTV Uganda.
President Yoweri Museveni had pushed for the changes, arguing that social media encourages gossip.
Meanwhile, citizens have resorted to using Virtual Private Networks in a bid to dodge government’s social media tax. Even this, the government has promised to block.
PUNCH NEWSPAPER
Add 0802 739 7554 To Receive SKYTREND NEWS Alerts On WhatsApp;
For Adverts Enquiries, Whatsapp 0802 739 7554,
Send Articles & News Stories To editor@skytrendnews.com.
READ ALSO! 14-Year-Old Pregnant Housemaid Dislodges Her Childless Madam, Says I Can’t Share Husband With You
READ ALSO! SHOCKING, ALARMING: Nigerian FRSC Official Engages Woman In Serious Physical Combat (VIDEO)
READ ALSO! How I Stopped Obasanjo From Becoming Nigerian Version Of Mugabe — Atiku
READ ALSO! I’m Happy Leaving My Husband, Nine Children For New Lover — Housewife After 23 Years Of Marriage
READ ALSO! The Smart CEO: Top 5 Websites To Get Cheap Domain Name Registration
READ ALSO! First Bank’s Appalling Customer Service And Utter Disregard For Its Customers
READ ALSO! Between GoDaddy And Namecheap: Making The Best Choice For Domain Name Registrar
READ ALSO! Nigerian Filmmaker, Zuriel Oduwole Makes Forbes List Of 100 Most Influential African Women
READ ALSO! Woman Marries Her Son After Getting Pregnant For Him