A group of traders, united under the banner of the Urban Smart Traders Business Association Limited, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) regarding the protracted closure of Facebook in the country. They have threatened legal action if the government does not reopen the social media platform within two weeks.
Represented by Nalukoola Advocates & Solicitors, the Urban Smart Traders Business Association Limited, comprising 550 registered members who engage in online trading through various digital platforms, has sent a notice of intent to sue the UCC for the sustained closure of Facebook. The traders employ platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, TikTok, e-commerce custom websites, and other consumer-to-buyer marketplaces to conduct their business.
Facebook had been a primary source of e-marketing and trade for these traders, with the closure on January 12, 2021, causing substantial disruption.
"Prior to the unfortunate closure of Facebook, our clients' members were actively operating 100 Facebook groups, 500 online websites, and 280 mini-websites to enhance their business income through increased online connectivity and visibility," the notice stated.
The traders claim to have lost approximately 3,874,000 clients who were active Facebook subscribers in Uganda at the time of the closure, along with a staggering 2,989,000,000 potential clients in the global market.
Lawyer Luyimbazi Nalukoola, representing the traders, emphasized that the continued closure of Facebook has resulted in significant financial losses for its members, estimated at around 66 billion Ugandan Shillings. This loss has had ripple effects throughout the supply chain, affecting 650 boda bodas, 88 lorries and pickups, and 180 taxis.
"In response, some of our client's members resorted to opening accounts on local online marketplace websites, incurring exorbitant fees 138.8% higher than Facebook, resulting in a loss of approximately 18 million Shillings in subscription fees alone," he added.
The traders have now sought legal recourse to address the devastating impact of Facebook's closure and the subsequent financial losses endured by its members.
The government had initially shut down Facebook in the lead-up to the 2021 general election, citing abuse by users as the reason. However, the platform has remained closed since then. Presently, Ugandans have resorted to accessing Facebook through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), an expensive alternative for many, while others have opted to quit the social media platform altogether.
In 2022, President Museveni remarked that Uganda was thriving without Facebook.
"The other day I checked to see whether bananas are still being produced. I thought bananas would stop if Facebook closed. I checked and found cows are still milking, and fish is still in the lake. We can exist without Facebook. Those biased people should not bother us." he stated.
The traders, however, have expressed deep concern that the prolonged shutdown of Facebook in Uganda is severely affecting the country's digital markets. They are now taking a decisive stand, holding the government accountable for the continued loss of opportunities in the online marketplace.
