”Uganda Can’t Move On Concocted Human Intelligence”-ONC’s Namyalo Blasts ‘Reckless’ TikTok Users, Pushes For Tighter Regulations  

By Frank Kamuntu

The Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, has called on government to introduce stricter regulations governing TikTok, arguing that the platform has increasingly been used to spread propaganda, misinformation, and malicious content that has harmed individuals and families.

Speaking at her office in Kyambogo, Namyalo said she intends to launch what she described as a national conversation on digital accountability. She emphasized that urgent policy intervention is needed to curb the misuse of social media platforms while safeguarding citizens’ rights.

According to her, TikTok has become “overwhelmingly occupied by people trading baseless propaganda and malice,” a trend she said has created social tensions and damaged the reputations of many Ugandans.

Namyalo, who also serves as Chief Muzzukulu, said that with the support of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, she plans to push for a broader national dialogue focused on justice, accountability, and regulation of digital platforms.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. No individual or institution should use provocative or misleading information to harass or mistreat others under the guise of influence,” she said.

She added that although Parliament continues to handle routine legislative business, several emerging digital-era challenges affecting citizens’ welfare remain insufficiently addressed.

“We have already drafted a policy document proposing legal and regulatory measures to tackle online misinformation, protect vulnerable groups, and prevent manipulation through digital platforms,” she said.

Namyalo warned against what she described as the misuse of “human intelligence” and online influence to spread falsehoods or violate personal rights, adding that Uganda cannot progress on the basis of fabricated information. She said government has a responsibility to update laws to reflect the realities of the digital age.

“As a nation, leaders were elected to uphold the law and protect citizens from exploitation and deception,” she said, noting that the initiative seeks to promote accountability without undermining lawful expression.

Uganda Joins Growing Global Scrutiny Of TikTok

Uganda’s emerging debate reflects a broader global trend as governments tighten oversight of TikTok over concerns related to misinformation, harmful content, data privacy, and national security.

In the United States, lawmakers have advanced legislation that could require TikTok’s parent company to restructure ownership or face a nationwide ban, citing concerns over data access. Several U.S. states have already restricted the application on government devices.

The European Union has imposed strict obligations under the Digital Services Act, requiring large platforms, including TikTok, to actively combat disinformation and harmful online content or face significant penalties.

India implemented one of the most sweeping measures in 2020 by banning TikTok entirely on national security and data protection grounds. Canada and the United Kingdom have prohibited the app on official government devices, while France and Australia have introduced tighter monitoring and compliance requirements for public sector use.

Analysts say these measures reflect a growing global effort to balance digital innovation with public safety, privacy protection, and responsible online conduct.

Balancing Regulation & Freedom Of Expression

Digital policy experts caution that while regulation may help curb abuse, governments must strike a careful balance to avoid infringing on freedom of expression and access to information.

Namyalo acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue, emphasizing that the proposed reforms are intended to promote justice and responsible digital use rather than suppress legitimate voices.

“The talk of justice begins now,” she said. “We will amplify it and ensure it leads to meaningful change for every Ugandan.”

As discussions gain momentum, observers say Uganda could soon join a growing list of countries redefining how social media platforms operate within national legal frameworks.