UPR SESSION 40 UGANDA SUBSCRIPTIONS PER 100 INHABITANTS 0 PRESS FREEDOM RANKING Mobile UGANDA 0 UPR 2022 Active mobile broadband REGION WORLD Uganda should uphold its international and regional commitments to human rights and refrain from digital rights restrictions and media violations. Reporters Without Borders INDIVIDUALS USING THE INTERNET 12 10 80 6 4 0 20 0 HOUSEHOLDS WITH INTERNET ACCESS & INTERNET FREEDOM Sources: Internet Telecommunications Union, Reporters Without Borders FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION 125 18023 UPR 2016 102 RECOMMENDATIONS Uganda held its general elections in January 2021. The turbulent election was marred by unprecedented violence against the media and severe restrictions on freedom of expression, including a total internet shutdown and a social media ban. These violations followed a similar trend to the 2016 general elections, when digital rights were similarly restricted. The operational space for freedom of expression, access to information and the media has also been closing in Uganda–both online and offline–due to state restrictions since the last UPR in 2016. Laws such as the Computer Misuse Act, Press and Journalist Act and the Penal Code Act have been repeatedly weaponized by the state to silence critical voices. Online restrictions, including a 12% tax imposed on data tariffs in 2021, internet shutdowns and throttling during the 2021 general elections, and regulatory overreach on online platforms have restricted citizens’ rights, and contributed to the deterioration of Uganda’s global freedom of expression rankings.2 Stop the intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest and prosecution of journalists and activists, and hold to account those that violate journalists’ rights. Immediately halt the practice of internet shutdowns and any other arbitrary actions that limit access to, and use of the internet. Repeal laws that inhibit freedom of expression on and offline, including Sections 24 and 25 of the Computer Misuse Act on cyber harassment and offensive speech. Fully respect, protect and promote the right to privacy of persons through the effective implementation of Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019. SUBMITTING ORGANISATIONS1 SMALL MEDIA NCHRDU CIPESA POLLICY WOUGNET FOE HUB UPR, 22 INTERNET SOCIETY UGANDA CHAPTER HNRJ UGANDA