Ugandan Internet Propaganda Network Exposed by the BBC
A BBC investigation has uncovered a network of fake social media accounts in Uganda that spread pro-government messaging and target government critics. The accounts use false identities and stolen images to create fake personas. But who is behind this network?
Fake Social Media Accounts in Uganda
A BBC investigation has revealed the existence of a network of fake social media accounts in Uganda. These accounts operate under false identities and are responsible for spreading pro-government propaganda and issuing threats to government critics. The investigation sheds light on the individuals behind this network.
Dr. Jamechia Hoyle, a senior consultant in the United States, discovered that her photo had been used to create a fake social media account that promotes state propaganda. She was shocked to see her image associated with messages she did not endorse.
The fake account, known as 'fake Jamechia,' regularly posted in support of the Ugandan government and its policies while attacking opposition supporters and government critics. It directed threats towards individuals such as Hillary Innocent Taylor Seguya, a Ugandan climate activist who has been critical of a major oil project in the country.
A Sprawling Network of Fake Accounts
The investigation identified nearly 200 fake social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook that are part of this network. These accounts primarily used stolen images as profile pictures and had usernames that could not be linked to real individuals in Uganda or Tanzania.
The accounts within this network all had similar profiles, claiming to be Ugandan citizens, often women, and focused solely on praising the president and attacking critics. Many of these accounts were set up on the same day, suggesting a coordinated effort.
While it is uncertain how successful this network has been in influencing public opinion, experts suggest that its main goal is to disseminate the pro-government message and create visibility, regardless of engagement or response from users.
Who is Responsible for the Network?
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, removed several identified accounts and believes that individuals associated with the Ugandan government agency, the Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC), may have been involved in operating these accounts. However, the GCIC denies these allegations, stating that their accounts are not active on Facebook.
This is not the first time the GCIC has been accused of running influence operations. In 2021, Facebook took action against accounts it said were linked to the GCIC. The GCIC maintains that their agency accounts are only meant for disseminating factual information about government programs.
It is unclear who is behind this network of accounts and whether they are state employees or individuals associated with the government. The BBC's investigation raises questions about the regulation of social media and propaganda in Uganda.
