Court dismisses application against UCC over social media

The High court in Kampala has dismissed a case against Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) over blocking social media during February, 2016 general elections.

Justice Stephen Musota dismissed an application for Judicial Review  that Legal Brains Trust had filed against UCC, Bank of Uganda and Attorney General, challenging the decision to block social media, and mobile money platform.

The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) switched off all social media platforms till after the swearing in ceremony, citing security safeguards.

After switching off social media platform, Legal Brains Trust filed a case in court challenging the actions of UCC on premise that it violated freedom of expression and access to information.

Justice Musota said the application lacked merit and that it was premature for Legal Brains Trust to have filed the matter in Court without having exhausted the alternative remedies available to the public in relation to the telecommunications sector

Through UCC lawyer Augustine Idoot Obilil from Kampala Associated Advocates, UCC argued that Legal Brains Trust should have taken the case to   a tribunal relating to telecommunication disputes.

Idoot also argued that the Legal Brain Trust had in its submissions departed from its pleadings and argued matters such as procedural impropriety and irrationality which were neither pleaded in the notice of motion nor proved.

On the issue of mobile money, court stated that it is not the mandate of Bank of Uganda ( BOU) to control Mobile Money.