Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, has called for the government to ban the social media app TikTok, citing its misuse as a platform for slander and the spread of misleading information. During his sermon at the Eid al-Fitr prayers in Old Kampala, Sheikh Mubaje expressed concerns about the app being used by idle individuals and some Muslim leaders to mislead the faithful and tarnish reputations.
His remarks come in the context of Uganda’s ongoing efforts to regulate digital spaces, which have included past actions such as blocking Facebook and restricting internet access during critical times. The government’s control over social media platforms has been part of a broader strategy to combat misinformation and maintain national security, but it has also sparked debates on freedom of expression.
Sheikh Mubaje’s call for action reflects rising concerns over the role of social media in shaping public discourse, particularly in a time when platforms like TikTok are becoming increasingly popular among Uganda’s youth. His statement, which also underscores the moral and social responsibility of digital platforms, is set against the backdrop of Uganda’s broader internet control measures.
