Social media is back in Uganda, but at a $7M cost
On today's Techpoint Digest, we discuss social media returning to Uganda at a $7 million cost, Nigeria's SEC raising the stakes for cryptocurrency exchanges, and Trove acquiring a licenced broker.
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ሰላም,<br />
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Victoria from Techpoint here,<br />
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Here’s what I’ve got for you today:<br />
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Social media is back in Uganda, but at a $7M cost<br />
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Nigeria’s SEC raises the stakes for crypto exchanges<br />
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Trove acquires a licensed broker<br />
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Social media is back in Uganda, but at a $7M cost<br />
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After nearly two weeks offline, social media is finally back in Uganda, and the cost of switching it off is becoming clearer. Per a report by CEO EastAfrica Media, mobile network operators MTN and Airtel may have lost as much as $7 million (about UGX 24 billion) in data revenue during a four-day internet shutdown tied to the country’s recent elections.<br />
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The shutdown didn’t just hit telcos’ revenues; it disrupted everyday life. With internet access cut, many Ugandans were unable to carry out basic financial transactions, triggering frustration and public outrage. It was another reminder that when the internet goes dark, both citizens and businesses pay the price.<br />
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On Monday, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Force, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced the full restoration of access to all social media platforms, 13 days after the Ugandan Communications Commission (UCC) imposed a nationwide blackout two days before the January 15 general elections. In a post on X, Muhoozi thanked citizens for their cooperation during the restriction, saying it helped maintain the electoral process.<br />
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MTN Uganda also confirmed the restoration in a post to customers, announcing that internet services were fully back and that users could once again access platforms like WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. With the move, Ugandans now have unrestricted access to major social and messaging platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, a major relief for individuals and businesses alike.<br />
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The shutdown had been rolled back in phases. While general Internet access was restored last Sunday, social media and OTT messaging apps remained blocked. Authorities said the restrictions were necessary to curb misinformation and maintain security...
