In a landmark decision, Uganda’s Constitutional Court has ruled that the Computer Misuse Act, passed by Parliament in 2022, is unconstitutional and thus null and void. This ruling comes after months of legal battles, with the petitioners, including notable figures like Ssempala, Winnie Kiiza, George Musisi, Paul Waswa, Kakuru Tumusiime, Drabo Lillian, and Michael Aboneka, standing outside the Constitutional Court on May 8, 2025, in a fight for justice. Their case centered on the fact that the law was passed without following the relevant constitutional provisions.
The case against the Computer Misuse Act began shortly after its passage in Parliament, when one member raised concerns about how the law was being enacted. However, Speaker Among dismissed the concerns, advising those who disagreed to “go to court” and see which judge would agree with them. She even mentioned that such individuals “are always abusing them too.” But today, the judges have sided with the petitioners, ruling that Parliament’s passing of the Act violated constitutional procedures.
This victory is a significant one for those who have fought against the Act, but it also holds special meaning for MP Gorreth Namugga, who was one of the loudest voices in Parliament, calling out the injustices of the rushed passage. Despite facing intimidation and a hostile Parliament, Namugga held firm, challenging the process and speaking out against what she called a “kangaroo Parliament.”
The nullification of the Computer Misuse Act is a huge win for freedom of expression and justice in Uganda. This ruling means that all those affected by the unconstitutional law, which many believed was used to silence critics and infringe on personal freedoms, should be freed and compensated. The petitioners and their supporters have praised the judiciary for this unexpected but welcome decision, thanking their legal team for their hard work and dedication to the cause.
While the victory is a cause for celebration, it is also a moment of reflection on the importance of standing up against injustice, even when facing powerful opposition. The Constitutional Court’s ruling has brought hope to those who fight for a more democratic and fair society, and a clear message to those in power that constitutional rights must always be respected. As the petitioners celebrate their hard-earned win, they are also reminded of the ongoing struggle for freedom, transparency, and justice in Uganda.
