Uganda

Constitutional Court upholds provisions of the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act: The Constitutional Court upheld provisions of the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) that criminalize the 'promotion of homosexuality,' including through the internet or mobile devices, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Government vows to block all pornographic sites: The Information Minister, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, confirmed the government's vow to block all pornographic sites to shield young people from inappropriate online content, a move supported by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Uganda Communications Commission blocks access to porn websites: Internet service providers in Uganda blocked pornography websites, complying with a directive from the UCC, following concerns from the Pornography Control Committee.

Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022 passed by Parliament: Parliament passed this amendment, prescribing tougher penalties for cybercrimes including hate speech, sharing unsolicited information, and sharing information about children without authorization.

Constitutional Court declares sections of Anti-Pornography Act, 2014 unconstitutional: The Constitutional Court of Uganda declared sections 2 (definition of pornography) and 13 (prohibition of pornography) of the Anti-Pornography Act, 2014, null and void, citing inconsistency with the constitution and unjustifiable restriction on freedom of expression.

Data Protection and Privacy Regulations, S.I. No. 21 of 2021 came into force: These regulations provide procedural matters for the management of the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) and registration of data collectors, processors, and controllers, and procedures for enforcement of personal data privacy rights.

Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations, 2019 became effective: These regulations empower the UCC to license, regulate, and set standards for the provision of all communication services in Uganda, including online broadcasting.

Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 came into force: The Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 (DPPA) became effective, providing for the protection of individual privacy and personal data by regulating its collection and processing.

ISPs confirm blocking of pornography websites: Internet service providers confirmed they had blocked pornography websites in fulfillment of UCC orders, with at least 25 of 27 banned sites inaccessible on mobile phones.

UCC directs ISPs to block pornographic websites: The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directed internet service providers to block 27 websites for 'streaming pornographic content to Uganda', based on a list from the Pornography Control Committee.

Pornography Control Committee (PCC) established: The PCC was established under the Anti-Pornography Act, 2014, with the mandate to monitor, detect, and prohibit pornography in the country.

Children Act, 1997 amended: The Children Act was amended to emphasize parental responsibility for children's online safety, protection from inappropriate content and cyberbullying, and requiring consent for collecting children's personal data.

Report on Child Online Safety in Uganda published: The Internet Society Uganda Chapter published a report surveying legal and regulatory frameworks affecting Child Online Protection in Uganda, highlighting inadequacies.

Anti-Pornography Act, 2014 assented to by President Museveni: The Anti-Pornography Act, 2014, was signed into law, broadly defining and prohibiting the production, trafficking, publication, broadcasting, exhibition, or possession of 'pornographic materials'.

Uganda Law Society views on Anti-Pornography Bill, 2011 presented: The Uganda Law Society presented its views on the Anti-Pornography Bill, 2011, to the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, highlighting concerns about its constitutionality and practicality.

Computer Misuse Act, 2011 became effective: This Act addresses cybercrimes such as unauthorized access to computer systems, intercepting electronic communications, and spreading malicious software.

Regulation of Interception of Communications Act, 2010 (RIC Act) passed: The RIC Act was passed, requiring telecommunications companies to install equipment for real-time electronic surveillance and allowing security ministers to request access to personal communications based on national security concerns.