Hillary Innocent Sseguya, a Ugandan student (citizen) pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations at Harvard University has dragged President Museveni, the government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo and the police Chief Political Commissar, AIGP Asan Kasingye to the Civil Division of the High court for reportedly blocking him on Twitter.
According to Sseguya, being blocked by the three government officials on Twitter is illegal because it violates his right to access important information.
“I am only capable of getting information relating to my country’s governance and to communicate to the respective officials including the fountain of honor through their twitter handles but blocking me violates my constitutional rights,” Sseguya says.
“The respective actions of the government officials are illegal, procedurally improper, unreasonable, irrational and infringes on the applicant’s right to participate in the affairs of government and peaceful activities to influence the policies of government-guaranteed under Article 38 of the Constitution.” Reads part of Sseguya’s statement submitted to court.
Among other demands, the Harvard University student wants High Court to declare the officials’ actions illegal in addition to ordering the two to unblock him on Twitter immediately. Sseguya also wants court to ban the officials from ever blocking him again on the mentioned social platform.
“The applicant seeks an order prohibiting President Museveni, Ofwono Opondo and AIGP Asan Kasingye from any further blocking of the applicant through his social media from viewing, following, contacting, replying, liking, tagging and retweeting on their respective twitter social media platform handles.” The statement reads further.
This is not the first time citizens have attempted to drag President Museveni to court even though the constitution exempts him from prosecution for as long as he is President.
