UgandaToday: Human Rights Advocate Dr. Sarah Bireete Arraigned Over Alleged Data Privacy Violations
KAMPALA – Dr. Sarah Bireete, a prominent human rights lawyer and the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), was today arraigned before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court. She faces charges related to the unlawful obtaining and disclosure of personal data, specifically involving the National Voter’s Register.
Key Findings
- Charge: Unlawful obtaining or disclosing of personal data contrary to Section 35 (1) and (2) of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, Cap 97.
- Allegations: Accused of obtaining National Voter’s Information controlled by the Electoral Commission without consent between January and December 2025.
- Court: The case was brought before the Chief Magistrates Court at Buganda Road on January 2, 2026.
- Arrest Context: Dr. Bireete was taken into custody on December 30, 2025, following investigations into governance and election-related advocacy.
- Bail Status: As of the latest court proceedings today, the prosecution has raised concerns regarding her cooperation with investigators, and a decision on her bail application is pending her remand to prison.
Details: Who is Dr. Sarah Bireete?
Dr. Sarah Bireete is a distinguished Ugandan lawyer, human rights defender, and civil society leader. She serves as the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), an organization dedicated to promoting constitutionalism and good governance in Uganda. Known for her vocal stance on electoral integrity, she has frequently served as an election observer and a critic of policies she deems restrictive to democratic space.
Circumstances of the Arrest
The arrest occurred on the afternoon of December 30, 2025, in Kampala. Security agencies confirmed her detention following a period of heightened scrutiny regarding her work on the 2026 general elections. The state alleges that Bireete, alongside others still at large, accessed and distributed sensitive voter information managed by the Electoral Commission (EC) without the necessary legal authorization.
Court Proceedings and Bail Status
During the session at Buganda Road Court, the charge sheet was formally read to Dr. Bireete. The prosecution informed the presiding magistrate that investigations are ongoing and alleged that the accused had not been fully cooperative with the investigating officers.
While her legal team moved to apply for bail, citing her constitutional right and her status as a prominent citizen, the court has yet to grant the request. Reports indicate she may be remanded to Luzira Prison pending a formal bail hearing or further mention of the case. youtube
Practical Takeaway
- Legal Watch: The case highlights the increasing enforcement of the Data Protection and Privacy Act in Uganda, particularly concerning political and electoral data.
- Public Interest: Civil society organizations have expressed growing concern over the arrest, viewing it as a potential signal of narrowing civic space ahead of the 2026 polls.
- Next Steps: Supporters and legal observers are advised to monitor official court schedules for the next mention date and the final ruling on the bail application.
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