KAMPALA, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's communication regulatory body on Sunday vowed to crack down on people spreading fake videos and misinformation concerning COVID-19 through social media.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said in a statement that it has noticed increasing cases of fake news about the coronavirus on social media platforms.

The "UCC has observed an increase in cases of misinformation and publication of fake news, videos and advice through digital platforms by individuals misusing communications platforms to publish, distribute and forward false, unverified and misleading stories," the statement said.

Such behavior is illegal because it could incite violence, cause financial turmoil and even put people's lives in danger, the statement said.

Related wrongdoers "shall be apprehended and prosecuted for offending the Computer Misuse Act 2011, the Data Protection and Privacy Act and other Penal laws of Uganda," the statement added.

On Sunday, Uganda registered its first confirmed COVID-19 case after a man returning from Dubai tested positive.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has since banned any travel to and from his country, closed schools, bars and night clubs, and banned public gatherings. Enditem

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