Uganda Prosecutes Online Critics Under Communications Laws

Ugandan security agencies and judicial authorities are prosecuting social media users, journalists, and activists accused of breaching digital communications laws, following a series of online posts targeting senior political and military figures. Human rights advocates and defense attorneys report an increasing reliance on state security operations and specialized legislation to curb digital dissent aimed at President Yoweri Museveni and military chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

According to data provided by the Agora Research Center, a human rights organisation based in Uganda, legal representatives have taken on at least 12 cases since November 2025 involving social media users charged under the Computer Misuse Act. Defense lawyer Steven Atukwatse stated that many of these detentions involve extended periods of unconfirmed custody before defendants are formally charged or left at police stations, creating significant hurdles for legal defense teams attempting to document allegations of mistreatment.

Among those facing legal action is Praise Aloikin Opoloje, who was taken into custody on September 26, 2026, after releasing a video addressing General Kainerugaba. On September 28, she was formally charged in the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court under Regulation 29 of the 2024 Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations, with prosecutors alleging the unlawful use of a SIM card registered to her mother. Opoloje was held at Luzira Women’s Prison until being released on bail on October 14 under conditions restricting her international travel.

Journalists reporting on high-profile corruption investigations have also faced security actions. Reporter Andrew Tabandama Natumanya was detained on June 17, 2026, after publishing real-time updates on social media platform X regarding a May security operation at properties linked to former Parliament Speaker Anita Among. The operation had involved the seizure of luxury vehicles, including a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Natumanya stated that security officers questioned his access to internal police updates, held him for five days, and subsequently released him on bail.

Uncertainty also surrounds missing civilians whose families attribute their disappearances to security forces. Emmanuel Baliza reported that his 17-year-old son, William Baliza, was taken from their home in February following a TikTok post regarding political protests. Family members were informed that the teenager was being transferred to the Special Investigations Unit, but authorities at potential detention sites, including a military facility in Kasenyi, have denied holding him.

Addressing the accusations of unlawful detentions and abuse, army spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi stated that the armed forces collaborate with police and intelligence agencies within statutory frameworks. He emphasized that individuals accused of offenses are processed through the court system and noted that state agencies actively enforce laws regarding defamation. We do everything in accordance with the law, Magezi stated, adding that suspects face court proceedings rather than unlawful disappearances.

Written by Andreas Hofer andreas.hofer@alpineweekly.com