UPC hails Constitutional Court ruling on Computer Misuse Act

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The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has hailed the Constitutional Court of Uganda for upholding the fundamental rights of citizens against vague and overbroad provisions that unjustifiably curtailed free speech.

The UPC spokesperson, Arach Sharon, said the party welcomed the landmark decision in the case filed by the Uganda Law Society and others versus the Attorney General, Consolidated Constitutional Petition Nos. 34, 37 and 42 of 2022.

Arach said the court declared key provisions of the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act null and void due to their inconsistency with the Constitution, particularly the protection of freedom of expression under Article 29.

The court’s decision was agreed upon by all the justices Irene Mulyagonja, Ketra Katayisibwa, John Musisi, Jesse Rugyema and Monica Nambaya on March 17, 2026.

She made the remarks during a weekly press conference at the party headquarters on Wednesday (March 18).

She urged state actors to respect, implement and align existing laws with the Constitution to safeguard civil liberties and promote an open democratic society.

Arach said the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, in a multi-party political landscape, was bound to be widely abused, particularly against members of opposition political parties and organisations.

She added that the law targeted free speech, one of the fundamental rights, which was being criminalised on social media platforms.

She noted that people were being arrested and convicted under the Act, which runs against the spirit of the Constitution on the freedoms and liberties of individuals.

“This judgment is a significant victory for constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the democratic space in Uganda, as it reaffirms that legislative power must be exercised within the confines of constitutional guarantees,” She explained.

UPC called for the unconditional release of all people arrested and or convicted under the nullified Act, closure of their cases and compensation.

The Computer Misuse Act led to cases such as that of Prof. Stella Nyanzi, a lecturer at Makerere University, who was charged in the courts of law, and that of Uganda Law Society president Isaac Ssemakadde, who fled the country. Similarly, several TikTok users have been charged in courts and are serving sentences.

The party also congratulated Muslim brothers and sisters across the world for completing the holy month of Ramadan as the country awaits the sighting of the moon to mark Eid al-Fitr.

Arach noted that the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal is marked by special morning prayers, Zakat al-Fitr and visits to family and friends.

She reminded Muslims, as well as Christians nearing the end of the Lenten period, not to backslide in faith or engage in ungodly acts such as corruption and manipulation in their daily lives.

She further advised the government to release all political prisoners currently in detention.

“We need to make taxes friendly to enable our people to cope with the socio-economic conditions so as to have goods and services at a low cost. This reinforces a sound economic growth that later transforms our lives and usher in higher standards of living which is a sign for a sustainable economic growth and development,” she advised.