After taking two months to consider whether to introduce a social media tax for its citizens. Kenya government has imposed a 200 shilling ($0.0531) per day levy on people using social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Viber, and Twitter.
The new law will come into force from July 1, 2018. Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni has been wary of people’s habit of using these platforms saying that social media promotes gossip. Put differently, Yoweri Museveni wants to tax opinions, insults, prejudices and those unnecessary friendly chats.
According to TechZim, opponents of the law have registered their displeasure saying it aims to stifle criticism of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
Recall that in 2016, Ugandan Government blocked access to social media on mobile phones on election day. At the same time, Uganda is struggling to ensure all mobile phone SIM cards are properly registered. It remains to be seen therefore, how how authorities will be able to identify and apprehend Ugandans accessing social media sites.
