FORMER MAKERERE GUILD PRESIDENT DETAINED OVER UNAUTHORISED ELECTION APP
KAMPALA – Papa Were Salim, a former Makerere University Guild President and the owner of the recently shut down “Fanon” application, is currently under interrogation by authorities for allegedly operating unauthorised digital platforms ahead of the country’s general elections.
Salim was taken into custody earlier this week, shortly after the controversial Fanon app was disabled. The platform had seen a rapid rise in popularity on social media in recent weeks, promoted as a digital tool to assist voters in locating their designated polling stations.
However, the application quickly drew sharp criticism and disavowal from government regulators and the Electoral Commission. EC Chairman Justice Simon Byabakama publicly distanced the commission from the Fanon app, issuing strong warnings that it was not authorised to access, process, or handle any official voter information.
Sources within the investigation indicate that Salim’s arrest is linked to alleged offences concerning the unauthorised handling of sensitive electoral data. Authorities are investigating the source of the information the app used and the potential risks it posed to electoral integrity.
“We have learnt that he will soon be paraded in court to face charges,” a legal source familiar with the case confirmed. The anticipated charges are expected to include computer misuse, unauthorised access to sensitive electoral data, and the publication of information deemed misleading during an election period.
The case highlights growing tensions around digital platforms and election security. The government has repeatedly warned against the use of unauthorised systems that could spread misinformation or compromise the sanctity of the electoral process.
Papa Were Salim, known for his activist background during his university leadership, has yet to issue a public statement since his detention. The police and relevant cybercrime units are continuing their investigation as the country prepares for the upcoming polls.
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