Godfrey Kabyanga, the State Minister of National Guidance has said that government closure of Facebook has turned up to be a blessing in disguise since it has promoted innovations of social media platforms among Ugandan youth.
At the height of the 2021 polls, government closed Facebook, which it accused of terminating the accounts of it’s people, hence derailing communication.
“People are asking allover why is the Facebook closed? We shall open Facebook but after they have complied with our demands. People are on social media announcing others dead and it is my ministry coming up to correct,” he said.
“The closure of Facebook has led to invention of numerous platforms by Ugandan youths and we are now sure if we reopen it, it will get some good competition,” he added.
Kabyanga made these remarks, while launching the Pearl of Africa Civic Engagement Academic Project at the American Centre on Thursday this week.
He warned the youth to desist from misusing social media especially in periods when they are aggrieved.
Kabyanga says Social media has potential of transforming the society but unfortunately youth have misused it.
“They are spreading fake and negative news and at a high speed. We are devising numerous laws. You mess up, we get you,” he said
The project is being implemented by the Michigan Fellows Agribusiness Initiative countrywide, aimed at spreading civic education in learning institutions.
Kabyanga said civic education is paramount in promoting governance and society inclusion.
“People don’t know what government is supposed to do and what they are supposed to participate in. This initiative is good since it is being championed by young people, teaching their colleagues,” he said.
Raymond Musiima the Programs Co-director of Michigan Fellows Agribusiness Initiative said that the implementation of the program has started from central region and will be spread across the other parts of the country.
“This project involves engaging students within their schools in issues around civic education which are essential to our syllabuses and productive engagement with government,” he said
The project, he said aims at building the knowledge of young students on how they can engage with government well.
Amy B Petersen, the Cultural Officer at the American Embassy said the project is timely since it targets youths in schools.
