‘I Had to Teach Facebook a Lesson’: Museveni Speaks on Social Network’s Ban

Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said the government’s decision to block Facebook in 2021 was intended to demonstrate that Uganda can thrive without reliance on foreign digital platforms.

Speaking on Sunday during an interaction with Generation Z youth, the President said Facebook “thought that without them Uganda wouldn’t survive,” but government acted to ensure the tech giant understood that “we are unstoppable.”

Facebook was blocked in Uganda on the eve of the 2021 general elections after the company took down several accounts linked to government officials.

Despite ongoing calls for restoration, the ban has remained in place for nearly five years.

Addressing questions on internet affordability, Museveni expressed concern over high data prices and insisted that essential digital infrastructure should not be exclusively controlled by private companies.

“Internet shouldn’t be owned by private people. That’s why the backbone is owned by the government,” he said, adding that he would follow up with ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi to understand why internet costs remain high despite government investment in the National Backbone Infrastructure.

The engagement with Gen Z forms part of Museveni’s broader outreach to young Ugandans, focusing on technology, innovation, and the future of the digital economy.