NIRA official remanded over alleged unlawful disclosure of personal data
Kaaya appeared before magistrate Asuman Muhumuza, denied the charges and was remanded until May 18, 2026, when his bail application will be heard.
Douglas Kaaya in court at Makindye, where he was charged and remanded on Tuesday. (Photo by Margret Zalwango)
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A National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) official has been remanded to Luzira Prison over the alleged unlawful disclosure and processing of personal identification data linked to a case highlighted in a BBC investigation into the trafficking of Ugandan girls to Dubai.
Douglas Kaaya, also known as Kasozi, 40, a resident of Buziga in Makindye Division, Kampala, and a restoration assistant at NIRA’s Makindye office, was on May 6, 2026, arraigned before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court in Makindye on charges related to unlawful disclosure and processing of personal data.
Kaaya appeared before magistrate Asuman Muhumuza, denied the charges and was remanded until May 18, 2026, when his bail application will be heard.
State prosecutor Shafik Kanyerezi told court that investigations into the matter had been completed and requested a hearing date.
The offence
According to the charge sheet presented before court, Kaaya allegedly unlawfully disclosed NIRA data without consent, contrary to Sections 35(1) and 35(2) of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, Cap 97.
Prosecution alleges that on December 4, 2024, at NIRA offices in Makindye, Kampala, Kaaya and others, still at large, disclosed the national identification details of Scovia Nabulime to Umar Bashir without authorisation from the authority.
Kaaya is also accused of unlawfully processing personal data without consent, contrary to Section 7(1) of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, Cap 97, and Regulation 34(1) of the Data Protection and Privacy Regulations, S.I No. 21 of 2021.
It is alleged that in December 2024, Kaaya and others, still at large, processed Nabulime’s personal identification details without her consent.
The offences attract a sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine not exceeding sh5 million, or both upon conviction.
Kaaya’s arrest followed an investigative story by the BBC showing how Ugandan girls are allegedly lured into prostitution in Dubai after being promised good jobs and better pay.
According to the BBC report, Nabulime was reportedly taken into prostitution before later dying under unclear circumstances. Her body has reportedly never been returned to Uganda.
Bail deferred
Kaaya asked court to grant him bail, saying he had substantial sureties and was ready to comply with any conditions set by court. His mother, sister and other relatives were present in court to stand surety for him.
However, the magistrate noted that although Kaaya had a right to apply for bail, the documents uploaded onto the Judiciary ECCMIS system did not include an introductory letter from the local council confirming his residence.
The magistrate directed Kaaya to ensure that all the necessary documents are filed, served on the prosecution and presented at the next hearing date.
Court also ordered the State to disclose all available evidence to Kaaya to enable him to prepare his defence in time.