Tags: AF | Uganda | Social Media Tax

Uganda Implements New Tax for Using Social Media

Monday, 02 July 2018 06:38 AM EDT

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — A new tax on social media has taken effect in Uganda, angering many who see the revenue measure as an attack on free speech.

A tax on users of sites such as Facebook was first proposed by long-time leader Yoweri Museveni, who complained of online gossip in a March letter that urged the finance minister to raise money "to cope with the consequences."

In addition to the usual data fees, social media users now must pay upfront a daily levy of Shs200 (5 cents) to access everything from WhatsApp to Twitter.

Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi, a prominent human rights lawyer in Uganda, said many people are "bitter" because the tax "was brought in bad faith."

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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A new tax on social media has taken effect in Uganda, angering many who see the revenue measure as an attack on free speech.A tax on users of sites such as Facebook was first proposed by long-time leader Yoweri Museveni, who complained of online gossip in a March letter...
AF,Uganda,Social Media Tax
116
2018-38-02
Monday, 02 July 2018 06:38 AM
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