KAMPALA 08 MAY 2025: The Constitutional Court has allowed consolidation of the two applications challenging the amended Computer Misuse Act 2022.
The panel of judges led by Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja, Lady Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa, justice John Mike Musisi, justice Byaruhanga Jesse Rugyema, lady justice Esta Nambayo ruled that, since most of the provisions being challenged are similar, they saw no reason to decline petitioners’ prayers since Attorney General hadn’t objected.
The two consolidated applications are 34 of 2022 of Alternative Digitalk and 12 others, and 37 of 2022 filed by Human Rights Network for journalists (HRNJ) and thirteen others. Among the new amendments under contention include; a requirement to seek permission from an offender before publishing or sharing any content online, but also one must first seek consent of the offender before sharing anything with someone.
Additionally, if a politician or a public servant is found guilty of any offense under the Act, He or She shall be barred from holding office for 10yrs, and any individual convicted for offenses related to Computer Misuse is liable to a sentence of 10 yrs in jail.
The petitioners’ legal team included, among others, Eron Kiiza, George Musisi, Peter Arinaitwe, Kakuru Tumusiime, and Aboneka Michael.
Among the petitioners include; Hon. Winne Kizza, former Leader of Opposition, Mukose Arnold Anthony Programmes Director at Alternative Digitalk, lawyer and activist Namirembe Angella, lawyer Esomu Simon Peter.
In the court ruling, the panel also issued conferencing timelines after the Attorney General asked for some days to amend the response to match the revised editions of the laws. Judges have issued May 12, 2025, as the submission date to serve court with the amended revised editions and May 20 for rejoinders, if any, by the petitioners.
The constitution court is also going to issue the ruling on notice.
