Uganda blocks social media, clamps down before president sworn in

Uganda blocked social media sites including Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp before the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday of President Yoweri Museveni, whose re-election sparked protests and a crackdown on dissent.

Museveni, 71, officially won 60 percent of the vote in February, allowing him to take on another term and extend his rule to 35 years. The opposition cried foul and protests broke out, leading to some clashes with police and dozens of arrests.