Government Surveillance

In Uganda, the adoption of new technologies by government institutions has significantly expanded the state’s ability to collect and access personal information. From national biometric ID systems and mobile SIM card registrations to increased deployment of CCTV surveillance and facial recognition in urban centers, state actors have gained powerful tools to monitor citizens. While these technologies are often presented as necessary for improving national security and public order, they have raised legitimate concerns about privacy, accountability, and the potential for abuse—particularly in the absence of robust data protection frameworks and independent oversight.

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The growing use of surveillance technologies by law enforcement and intelligence agencies in Uganda—including requests for user data from telecom providers and unregulated use of spyware—has created a climate of fear and self-censorship, especially among activists, journalists, and political opposition. Without transparency in how surveillance tools are used, or effective legal recourse for those affected, the potential for these technologies to be weaponized against dissent is significant. This undermines not only the right to privacy but also the fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and access to information.

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At Tech4D, we believe that security and civil liberties are not mutually exclusive. Uganda must develop and enforce balanced, rights-respecting laws and policies that define clear limits on government surveillance, ensure independent oversight, and provide meaningful redress for individuals whose rights are violated. We advocate for surveillance reform that is transparent, proportionate, and aligned with international human rights standards—ensuring that technology serves to protect, rather than erode, the democratic values and freedoms of all Ugandans.