Uneven Enforcement Of Data Protection Laws Puts Data Subjects Rights At Risk In Uganda’s 2026 Polls
This report, “Uneven Enforcement of Data Protection Laws Puts Data Subjects Rights at Risk in Uganda’s 2026 Polls”, presents a systematic assessment of how personal data were governed across Uganda’s most technologically intensive electoral cycle to date. Using the Data Protection Election Watch Tool, the investigation evaluated compliance with Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 (DPPA), its 2021 Regulations, electoral laws, and applicable international data protection principles.
The findings reveal that while Uganda entered the 2026 elections with a formal legal framework in place, compliance was operationally under-embedded, oversight uneven, and data governance safeguards inconsistently applied across institutions.
Unwanted Witness welcomes the Constitutional Court Judgment nullifying the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022
Unwanted Witness Uganda welcomes the decision of the Constitutional Court nullifying the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022, following consolidated Constitutional Petitions No. 34, 37 & 42 of 2022, which challenged the constitutionality of several provisions, including sections.11, 23, 26,28 and 29 that were introduced in the Act.
The petitions were brought by a coalition of civil society organizations, journalists, lawyers, and digital rights advocates, including Unwanted Witness Uganda, who noted that the amendments posed significant risks to freedom of expression, digital rights, and constitutional governance in Uganda.
New Report Documents Election-Period Internet Shutdown in Uganda
On 13 January 2026 at approximately 18:00 EAT, internet service providers suspended public internet access nationwide. A total blackout lasted approximately four (4) days, spanning a day to polling and immediate post-election period. Partial restoration began on 18 January, though major social media platforms remained blocked for an additional eight (8) days. Full general connectivity was restored on 26 January 2026.
Unwanted Witness (UW) and the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) today (23rd February, 2026) release No Signal, No Voice: How Internet Shutdowns Undermined Uganda’s 2026 Elections, a comprehensive investigation into the deliberate, phased, and centrally coordinated internet disruptions imposed before, during, and after Uganda’s January 2026 General Elections.
EMPOWERING YOU WITH CONTROL OVER YOUR PRIVACY AND DIGITAL LIFE
We raise awareness about the risks associated with the processing of personal data online and offline. This includes educating individuals about the types of data that are typically collected by companies and how that data can be used..
AMPLIFYING YOUR VOICE, PRESERVING YOUR ONLINE FREEDOM
Through our lobbying efforts, we engage with the government and other stakeholders to promote internet freedoms and prevent censorship. As a human rights organization, we are committed to defending the rights of internet users and ensuring that they are not violated. We believe that an open and secure internet is essential for the promotion of democracy, human rights, and social justice.
DRIVING CHANGE THROUGH POLICY AND LEGAL REFORM
We work with other organizations and stakeholders to advocate for policy and legal reforms that promote digital rights and freedoms in Uganda. We also monitor the implementation of existing laws and policies to ensure that they are aligned with international human rights standards.
DIGITAL INCLUSION FOR ALL
Our Digital Inclusion and Innovation Program is focused on promoting digital inclusion in Uganda and beyond, particularly among marginalized communities, and fostering innovation in the digital space. The program aims to bridge the digital divide, increase access to digital technologies, and promote the use of digital platforms for social and economic development.
RESEARCHING FOR CHANGE , ADVOCATING FOR IMPACT
We carry out research activities to identify challenges that individuals and communities face regarding digital rights and freedoms in Uganda and beyond. We conduct evidence-based research, which provides a basis for the formulation of policy recommendations that guide our advocacy activities. Through research, we identify the gaps in digital rights and freedoms policies and highlight issues that require urgent attention from policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders.
LEGAL AID FOR AN EQUITABLE SOCIETY
We are committed to providing legal aid services to individuals who have experienced digital rights violations in Uganda. We understand the importance of legal representation in ensuring that victims receive justice and compensation. We partner with legal organizations and lawyers to provide these services and make them accessible to those who need them the most. We believe that every individual has the right to access justice and receive fair treatment under the law.
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