The commission, in a notice seen by Pulse Live Uganda, says all online data communication service providers are advised to apply and obtain authorization with immediate effect from the commission as stipulated under section 6(e) of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013.

Online data communication service providers highlighted by the commission include online publishers, online news platforms, online radio and television operators.

Uganda Communication Act, 2013, describes communications services as “services performed consisting of the dissemination or interchange of audio, visual or data content using postal, radio, or telecommunications media, data communication, and includes broadcasting.”

Uganda Commission Communication has continuously been criticized for its rules and regulations which are seen by many as approaches to gag freedom of free speech.

In 2016 during the presidential elections, the commission blocked access to several data-based services including social media and mobile money services countrywide.

The new regulations from Uganda Communication Commission will be enforced starting April 2, 2017, and non-compliant online data providers will be blocked from the Internet Service Provider (ISP).