EC CAUTIONS PUBLIC AGAINST HATE SPEECH AND DISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The returning officer Moyo district addressing incumbents at the EC office

By Emmanuel Ocen
Moyo

The returning officer of Moyo district, Ogen Opio Richard, has issued a strong appeal to the public to refrain from spreading hate speech, disinformation, and propaganda on social media platforms before campaign rallies are officially flagged off.
 
While speaking to Radio Pacis, Mr. Opio emphasized the importance of responsible communication, particularly during the campaign period, to promote a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive electoral process. He warned that the misuse of social media could incite unnecessary tension, fuel division among communities, and compromise the credibility of the upcoming elections.
 
“We call upon all citizens, especially the youths who are actively engaged online, to use these platforms responsibly. The electoral process must be protected from any form of misinformation that may disrupt peace,” said Mr. Opio
 
Meanwhile, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) of Moyo, Julian Sekmwa, echoed that all political stakeholders and citizens should uphold unity, tolerance, and mutual respect, both online and offline, as the political atmosphere begins to heat up.
“This is a time for constructive dialogue, not division. Let us work together to ensure that the campaigns and elections are conducted in a peaceful manner and I assure you that the office of the RDC will closely monitor the media platforms” Sekamwa emphasized.
 
Iceta Scovin, a psychologist and community advocate, called upon young people aged 18 and above to be conscious of how they engage on social media platforms during this politically sensitive period.
 
“Social media is a powerful tool. But if misused, it can destroy reputations and spread harmful narratives. I encourage my fellow youths to verify information before sharing and to avoid being used to propagate political agendas,” Iceta stated
 
Authorities in Moyo District and across Uganda are stepping up efforts to ensure that both offline and online spaces remain peaceful, inclusive, and free of misinformation ahead of the much-anticipated elections: