operators and other internet service providers to block or shut down
social media and mobile money transfer services. That as a result, the
services were inaccessible across Uganda and many people tried but
failed to access them. He referred to the affidavits of several persons
5
that were filed to support the petition, whose contents are stated below.
He further averred that he believes that the instructions, orders or
directives of the respondent to telecommunications and internet service
providers was a threat to the maintenance of a free and democratic
society that is anchored on human rights and constitutionalism.
10
In addition the 2nd petitioner deposed an affidavit in which he stated
that he is the coordinator of the Jobless Brotherhood. That on the 18th
February 2016 he was supposed to conduct a skype interview with
another organisation, Beautiful Trouble, and the purpose was to submit
his contribution to a book which is published once a year. That he failed
15
to make his contribution because of lack of access to the internet. That
by the time the internet was reconnected on 20th February 2016 he had
missed the deadline to contribute to the book. As a result, his contract
was terminated leading to loss of US$
500 which is
given to
contributors, a big loss to him as a jobless youth.
20
In another affidavit sworn by Chemonges Ivan on 24th April 2017 he
stated that while he was en route to Ishaka District to collect application
forms for admission to Mabarara University of Science and Technology
he was prevented from withdrawing money from his mobile money
account to enable him to continue on his journey. That as a result he
25
spent three days at the lodgings of a friend who later asked him to pay
UShs 106,000/= for his upkeep. That when he finally got to Mbarara
University he was informed that the deadline for submission of the
application had passed. That he could not apply to join any other
University, so he suffered mental and psychological anguish.
3