Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Grand Mufti of Uganda and leader of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), has ignited a heated debate by urging the government to ban TikTok, the ByteDance-owned social media platform. His remarks, delivered during Eid al-Fitr prayers at the UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala, reflect growing concerns over the app’s alleged role in fostering idleness, spreading harmful content, and destabilizing communities.
Mubaje criticized TikTok as a hub for “idlers” and “content seekers with nothing constructive to do,” arguing that its unregulated nature has enabled misuse. “The government closed Facebook, but I think TikTok is worse. I was recently in a country where TikTok is non-existent, and I thought, ‘This is good,’” he stated. He also condemned Muslim clerics for using the platform to “mislead, disorganize, and cause disunity” within Uganda’s Muslim community, urging authorities to act before “it’s too late.”
His call has resonated with some religious leaders and parents, who argue that the platform promotes immorality and unproductive behavior among youth. A 2023 Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) report reveals over 5 million Ugandans use TikTok, amplifying fears of its societal impact.
Human rights lawyer Nicolas Opio countered that a blanket ban would infringe on fundamental rights to access information. “While some misuse the platform, many benefit from it. Punishing the majority for the actions of a minority is unjust,” he said. Opio emphasized the need for public education: “Users need to be sensitized to harness TikTok’s potential for good. Banning it won’t solve the problem—they will simply migrate to other platforms.”
Nakaseke South MP Paulson Luttamaguzi echoed this sentiment, urging religious leaders to guide users instead. “Closing TikTok is futile without guidance. Users will shift to other platforms and repeat the same harm,” he said, according to an article published by the Daily Monitor.
The government has yet to respond to Mubaje’s appeal. However, State Minister for National Guidance, Hon. Bakulu, highlighted existing legal measures, noting that offenders can be prosecuted under the Computer Misuse Act. “Those aggrieved should file cases. Charges are already pending against some TikTok users,” he said.
Uganda’s debate mirrors global tensions. The U.S. has threatened to ban TikTok unless ByteDance divests its American operations, citing data privacy risks and ties to China. India banned the app in 2020 following border clashes with China, while Pakistan and Nepal imposed temporary bans over “immoral content.” These moves underscore broader anxieties about social media’s societal influence.
Balancing Act: Regulation vs. Freedom
The controversy highlights a recurring dilemma: how to mitigate harm without stifling digital freedom. As Opio noted, “Senseless content exists, but so do opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and creativity.” For instance, Ugandan entrepreneurs use TikTok to market businesses, while activists leverage it for advocacy.
Sheikh Mubaje’s call for a ban has intensified scrutiny of TikTok’s role in Uganda, pitting cultural and religious conservatism against digital-age freedoms. While his concerns about misinformation and moral decay are shared by many, opponents stress the need for balanced solutions—regulation, education, and accountability—rather than outright prohibition.
As global precedents show, bans risk collateral damage to innovation and expression. For Uganda, the path forward may lie in fostering responsible usage while addressing genuine grievances through dialogue and policy refinement.
