Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court today January 2, 2026, sent on remanded prominent human rights lawyer and the Director of the Center for Constitutional Governance, Dr. Sarah Bireete to Luzira Prison until January 21, 2026, after prosecutors indicated that investigations into her case are still ongoing.
Bireete, 49, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatikko, who read charges against her for unlawfully obtaining or disclosing personal data, in violation of Sections 35 (1) and (2) of the Data Protection and Privacy Act.
The alleged offenses reportedly took place between January and December 2025 in Kampala, Mukono, and Wakiso districts.
According to the prosecution, Bireete and others still at large unlawfully accessed or disclosed information from the National Voters’ Register without the consent of the Electoral Commission of Uganda.
The charges follow a public warning from the Electoral Commission, cautioning political actors, civil society organizations, and members of the public against publishing voters’ personal details or photographs on social media, urging complaints to be submitted directly to the commission instead.
When asked if she understood the charges, Bireete responded, “I have understood the offence.” On whether the charges were true, she replied, “Not true,” prompting the magistrate to formally record a plea of not guilty.
Chief State Attorney Joan Keko informed the court that investigations were still ongoing and requested an adjournment.
Defense lawyer Jude Byamukama did not object and indicated the defense would apply for bail.
The Magistrate permitted the bail application but deferred ruling to allow the prosecution time to respond, setting the hearing for January 21, 2026.
Bireete will remain on remand at Luzira Prison until that date. Under Section 35 of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, unlawful obtaining or disclosure of personal data carries a penalty of a fine not exceeding 240 currency points (approximately Shs4.8 million), imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
Bireete, executive director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, is a regular media commentator on constitutional governance, elections, and civil liberties.
Dr. Miria Matembe, the former Ethic Minister and Women Rights Activist, told journalists after Court, that Bireete’s case if in clear becayes their is no complainant.
