The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for an immediate review of the criminal case against lawyer and human rights defender Praise Aloikin Opoloje and an investigation into the conduct of Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko.

Opoloje was charged on September 28, 2026, with allegedly using a SIM card registered in another person’s name for an illegal purpose, contrary to Regulation 29 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations, 2024. She denied the charge and was remanded to Luzira Prison until October 14.

ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde has challenged the charge, arguing that it does not specify the alleged illegal activity for which the SIM card was purportedly used. He also questioned the legal basis of Regulation 29, saying it is not properly anchored in the parent legislation.

The Society has further criticised the decision to keep Opoloje on remand while investigations are still ongoing. Court reports indicate that prosecutors told court that investigations had not yet been completed when she appeared.

ULS is calling on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to withdraw the charge and provide an explanation for the decision to prosecute Opoloje under the provision.

The Society also wants the Judiciary to investigate Jatiko’s handling of the proceedings.

Opoloje’s case has attracted attention from lawyers and human rights activists following her reported removal from Namungoona Police Station by armed personnel on September 26, before she was subsequently produced in court. She was later charged over alleged misuse of a SIM card registered in another person’s name.

She is scheduled to return to court on October 14, when her lawyers are expected to seek bail.

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