Uganda's Constitutional Court Outlaws Computer Misuse Act Provisions

🎯 The ruling by the Constitutional Court of Uganda striking down key provisions of the Computer Misuse Act is a major win for freedom of expression and digital rights in Uganda. In a youthful, connected nation, the internet is central to voice, opportunity, and civic participation but vague legal provisions have too often been used to intimidate and silence citizens. While digital platforms can be misused, regulation must be balanced, lawful, and consistent with constitutional protections not a tool for fear or control. We commend the petitioners and call on all state actors to fully implement this ruling. No one should face arrest under unconstitutional provisions. This is also a key moment for nationwide civic education on digital rights and responsibilities especially for young people. Rights must be protected in practice. #FreedomOfExpression #DigitalRights #HumanRightsUG #YouthVoices #RuleOfLaw #CivicSpace Embassy of Denmark in Uganda US Mission In Uganda European Union DefendDefenders National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda CivLegacy Foundation Vijana for Sustainable Development & Environmental Action

Pre-Action Notice and Fundamental Rights Enforcement in Nigeria In our latest publication, our Associates, Halima Mohammed and Deborah Achem, critically examine the doctrine of pre-action notice and its impact on the enforcement of fundamental rights. The article interrogates its continued relevance within Nigeria’s procedural framework, particularly as it is increasingly deployed as a technical defence by public institutions. While originally designed to encourage settlement and prevent undue surprise, its rigid application may impede access to justice and undermine constitutionally guaranteed rights. 🔗 Read the full analysis: https://lnkd.in/gd5YaPsi #ABELP #HumanRightsLaw #NigeriaLaw #AccessToJustice #LegalInsights

A quiet but deeply consequential legal battle is unfolding before Kenya’s Court of Appeal. The Bloggers Association of Kenya has challenged key provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, arguing that some sections threaten freedom of expression, privacy, and media freedom in the digital age. The State, on the other hand, insists the law is necessary to combat cybercrime and protect society from digital harm. At its heart, this case forces Kenya to confront a difficult constitutional question: how should the law balance national security and the protection of citizens with the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution? The decision could shape the future of online speech, digital regulation, and internet freedom in Kenya. Read the full analysis on Legal Express Kenya: https://lnkd.in/d7XGU-dA #LegalExpressKenya #CybercrimeLaw #DigitalRights #FreedomOfExpression #ConstitutionalLaw #KenyanLaw #CourtOfAppeal #InternetFreedom

The Devatop team recently paid a courtesy visit to the German Embassy in Abuja to present the Report of the Talkam Human Rights Dialogue and Case Management Forum, as well as the Policy Brief on Strengthening Human Rights Case Management and Survivors Protection. These important documents were developed following the Talkam Human Rights Dialogue and Case Management Forum held last year, bringing together key stakeholders committed to improving how human rights cases are handled and how survivors of abuse and exploitation can receive better protection and support. The report captures key insights, discussions, and recommendations from the forum, while the policy brief highlights practical steps needed to strengthen coordination, accountability, and protection systems for survivors of human rights violations. To Read More Visit: https://lnkd.in/dc7Wdx2T #humanrights #survivorsupport

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched a public consultation to gather citizens’ views on proposals to introduce age restrictions for children using social media platforms in Nigeria. https://lnkd.in/g_ECUTbS

Day 1, Session 2 of the #ElectoralJustice Dialogue moves the conversation from diagnosis to response, focusing on how legal and institutional frameworks across Africa are evolving to manage electoral disputes. The discussion highlights a critical insight: electoral justice systems cannot rely on courts alone. Effective systems require coordinated institutional design across electoral management bodies, judicial actors, and regulatory frameworks. The emphasis is clear, moving from reactive, litigation-heavy approaches to preventive, credible, and well-integrated systems that can manage disputes before they escalate. Day two of our dialogue will resume tomorrow morning.  #RuleOfLaw #Governance #DemocracyInAfrica AfricanUnion The Judiciary of The Republic of Kenya The Judiciary of The Republic of Kenya Centre for Multiparty Democracy Kenya Arnold Tsunga

Recently, I shared a summary of the 2026 Electoral Act amendments in Nigeria. What has stayed with me, isn’t just the procedural changes, but the structural pressure they introduce. ✔️Compressed funding timelines ✔️Shorter candidate submission windows ✔️A defined hierarchy between electronic and physical results Individually, these look administrative. Collectively, they test institutional capacity. Electoral reform is rarely just about rules. It’s about whether institutions can absorb change without weakening. For those working in governance, policy, or democratic strengthening, what long-term implication stands out to you? #Nigeria #ElectoralReform #Governance #Democracy #PublicPolicy #InternationalDevelopment

SOCIAL MEDIA BAN: Posting Now Is Risky. I know you won’t stop to read this important information. Now I’ve got you. Nigeria, let’s talk about the Social Media Curfew & Digital Rights debate, beyond the noise. Nigeria keeps flirting with regulating social media in the name of security and safety. On paper, that sounds reasonable. But here’s the problem: law without structure breaks fast. Supporters say regulation will curb misinformation, fraud, and online harm. Critics warn that it risks free speech, innovation, and civic participation. Both sides are right. From a legal and systems perspective, the danger isn’t regulation, it’s vague rules and weak enforcement frameworks. Any system without clarity, transparency, and review mechanisms will be misused. This debate isn’t just about speech. It’s about how power is designed, applied, and checked in the digital age. Regulate, yes, but with precision, safeguards, and systems. Otherwise, we’re not protecting society; we’re building risk into law. What do you think: Should Nigeria regulate first, or fix its systems first? What’s your take? #DigitalRights #SocialMediaRegulation #RuleOfLaw #Governance #PublicPolicy

"In an era where Kenya’s digital infrastructure is rapidly advancing, we must ask why these systems are not being fully utilized to strengthen accountability within government. We also need to interrogate the issue of digital identity with fresh perspectives beyond the legal lens, including social, technological, and human rights considerations. When data is used as an enabler of human rights, it must be recognized and treated as such." Diana Gichengo, Executive Director Tisa Kenya Office of the Data Protection Commissioner The Open Institute #EADataGov26 #DataProtectionKE

Change or Excuse for Political Weaponization? Nigeria is debating local police forces and judicial time limits. Here’s the truth: Nigeria isn’t just debating law; it’s debating how systems of security and justice are designed, enforced, and trusted. State Police: Local forces could respond faster, increase accountability, and reduce pressure on federal police. But poorly structured, they could be weaponized by politicians or fail in under-resourced states. Judicial Reform: Time limits and streamlined appeals could reduce delays and corruption. But rushed decisions or weak implementation risk undermining judicial independence. From a legal and operational lens, the danger isn’t reform itself, it’s reforms without clear structure, enforcement frameworks, and accountability systems. Impact: 1. Security governance could improve or fracture. 2. Public trust could rise or erode. 3. Regional inequalities and political interference could worsen. My takeaway: Law + reform isn’t enough. Systems + enforcement + oversight is everything. What do you think: Should Nigeria move fast with reform, or first design systems that prevent abuse? #NigeriaPolitics #StatePolice #JudicialReform #RuleOfLaw #PublicPolicy #SecurityReform #PolicyDebate