The Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022 is a repressive law that criminalizes free speech, artistic expression, and digital communication in Uganda. It is being used to intimidate activists, silence journalists, and shut down civic dialogue. This is a direct attack on freedom of expression guaranteed by the Ugandan Constitution and international law. We demand its immediate repeal.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022 is not just a regulatory update it is a political weapon designed to muzzle Uganda’s civic space. Passed in September 2022, this law criminalizes a wide range of online behaviors in vague and sweeping terms, including “unsolicited information” (Section 26B), “hate speech” (Section 26A), and “malicious information” (Section 26C).
Section 26D further empowers the state to criminalize social media use through presumptions of guilt and broad surveillance powers.
This is a law designed to instill fear, encourage censorship, and punish dissent not to protect citizens.