We should all consider ourselves lucky to live in the U.S. and have the first amendment protecting our free speech. Uganda isn't so lucky. Recently, the Ugandan government implemented a "social media tax" which affects more than 60 online platforms, including big names like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter. The tax is 200 Ugandan shillings a day.
The government revealed their reasoning behind the tax to be that of wanting to cut down "idle talk" and raise revenue for the government and Uganda itself. The plan didn't exactly pan out, though, because, within three months, the number of Ugandan internet subscriptions fell by 2.5 million. I don't think the Ugandan government is going to be raking in the revenue that had hoped they would...
While the government did outline they're apparent reasons for this social media tasks, outsiders think that there might be alternative motives. An election year isn't too far away for the people of Uganda and this really may just be a ploy to limit free speech for that exact election. Depending on who is elected, the Ugandan people won't be surprised if they find more of their freedoms and rights dwindling.
Whatever the reason behind the social media tax is, Uganda is now way out of the loop. With the world today being so technologically advanced and connected through social media and the internet, the general population of Uganda won't be able to stay as informed or connected with people in other parts of the world. In my opinion, it really does seem like the Ugandan government is making strides to cut off the country from the outside world.
I don't think, thankfully, a tax like this would fly here in the United States because people would riot in the streets but it definitely makes you grateful for the first amendment and our freedom of speech.
For more information on this story, subscribe to the DailySkimm which is where I first heard the story, but also check out The Guardian.
The government revealed their reasoning behind the tax to be that of wanting to cut down "idle talk" and raise revenue for the government and Uganda itself. The plan didn't exactly pan out, though, because, within three months, the number of Ugandan internet subscriptions fell by 2.5 million. I don't think the Ugandan government is going to be raking in the revenue that had hoped they would...While the government did outline they're apparent reasons for this social media tasks, outsiders think that there might be alternative motives. An election year isn't too far away for the people of Uganda and this really may just be a ploy to limit free speech for that exact election. Depending on who is elected, the Ugandan people won't be surprised if they find more of their freedoms and rights dwindling.
Whatever the reason behind the social media tax is, Uganda is now way out of the loop. With the world today being so technologically advanced and connected through social media and the internet, the general population of Uganda won't be able to stay as informed or connected with people in other parts of the world. In my opinion, it really does seem like the Ugandan government is making strides to cut off the country from the outside world.
I don't think, thankfully, a tax like this would fly here in the United States because people would riot in the streets but it definitely makes you grateful for the first amendment and our freedom of speech.
For more information on this story, subscribe to the DailySkimm which is where I first heard the story, but also check out The Guardian.
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