Human rights lawyer Sarah Bireete has been charged with unlawfully obtaining and disclosing personal data belonging to the Electoral Commission (EC), contrary to provisions of Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act.
According to the charge sheet, Bireete 49, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), is accused of accessing and sharing national voters’ information without authorisation between January and December 2025 in Kampala, Mukono, and Wakiso districts.
This is contrary to section 35(1) and (2) of the data Protection and Privacy Act Cap 97.
Appearing before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Court, Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko read the charges to Bireete, who denied the allegations. She was remanded to Luzira since investigations were still ongoing.
The defence, led by lawyer Jude Byamukama, did not oppose the adjournment but expressed intentions to apply for bail on behalf of Bireete.
Magistrate Nankya allowed the defence to file a bail application, although she deferred ruling on the matter, stating that the prosecution would require time to respond.
The court has scheduled a hearing to revisit the bail request on January 21, 2026. Until then, Bireete will remain on remand at Luzira Prison.
Prosecutors allege that the data involved forms part of the national voters’ register, which is under the control of the Electoral Commission.
The charges have heightened concerns among civil society actors, who warn that the case could signal the criminalisation of election oversight at a time when Uganda is preparing for general elections scheduled for 15 January 2026.
Dr. Bireete, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) and chairperson of both the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) and the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN), was arrested on December 30, 2025, and detained at Nateete Police Station in Kampala.
Under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, unlawful access to or disclosure of personal data attracts a penalty of up to 240 currency points, equivalent to about 4.8 million Shillings, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. The prosecution unfolds against a backdrop of heightened political tension.
By Alex Magala
02nd Jan 2026
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