Parliament has passed the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill, 2022 privately moved by Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko which imposes tough penalties for cyber-crimes.

The Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill, 2022 sought to amend the Computer Misuse Act, 2011 to enhance the provisions on unauthorised access to information or data; prohibit the sharing of any information relating to a child without authorisation from a parent or guardian; to prohibit the sending or sharing of information that promotes hate speech.

With deletion of clauses that sought to bar convicts under the law from holding public office or running for elections in 10 years, the rest of the clauses unanimously sailed through uncontested, with Mawogola County South MP Gorreth Namugga dissenting.

A new clause in the bill, proposed by the ICT committee chairperson, Moses Magogo, defined social media and created penalties for computer users who take refuge in pseudo accounts.

The clause reads: “A person who uses social media to publish, distribute or share information, prohibited under the laws of Uganda or using disguised or false identity, commits an offence”.

A person who manages an account of an organisation where this happens will be held liable for the commission of the offence, the bill provides.

The clause proceeded to give a diverse definition of social media to mean, “a set of technologies, sites, and practices which are used to share opinions, experiences and perspectives, and includes YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WeChat, TikTok, Sina Weibo, QQ, Telegram, Snapchat, Kuaishou, Qzone, Reddit, Quora, Skype, Microsoft Team and Linkedin”.

A person who commits the offence under the clause in issue shall, on conviction, suffer either a fine of Shs16 million, five years in jail or both fine and imprisonment.

Social media accounts that are verified will be presumed to be owned by the persons in whose names the accounts are run, unless the contrary is proved.

Also, a person whose telephone numbers and or email addresses have been used in creating social media, will be personally liable for prosecution for offences committed under the act as amended.

Magogo justified the clause as being intended to “provide for the regulation of social media”.

The bill also criminalised and defined unsolicited information, but excused commercial adverts from the categorisation, granting advertisers the liberty to share information with target audiences.

“For the purposes of this section, “unsolicited information” means information transmitted to a person using the internet without the person’s consent, but does not include an unsolicited commercial communication,” partly reads clause 5.

In her minority report, MP Namugga said the bill was unconstitutional and implored the House not to pass it.

“The entire bill should not be left to stand as part of our laws as all the clauses are already catered for in existing legislation and in some instances offends the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda; the fundamental rights to access information electronically and to express oneself over computer networks are utterly risked by this bill,” she said.

She added: “lf passed into law, it will stifle the acquisition of information; the penalties proposed in the bill are overly harsh and disproportionate when compared to similar offences in other legislations; this bill if passed, will be a bad law and liable to constitutional petitions upon assent.”

Kazo County MP Dan Atwijukire processed the bill on behalf of its mover, Muhammad Nsereko.

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The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda should be overhauled as it is no longer representative of the aspirations of the people, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP) Mathias Mpuuga, has urged.

“A constitution is an outcome of the people’s consensus. At least there was some basic consultation that led to the promulgation of the 1995 Constitution. Is it still the same document? Is it a culmination of the people’s consensus? Why are we running away from that conversation?” the LOP wondered.

Mpuuga made the remarks at the launch of the multiparty youth forum, a platform that brings together youth leaders from the different political parties and civil society groups to build a generational consensus for progress.

The launch was held Protea Hotel in Kololo, an upscale Kampala suburb on Wednesday, 07 September 2022.

“I want to see young people raise their voices to ask potent questions that will herald a durable constitutional order,” Mpuuga said and further encouraged the youth leaders not to shy away from involvement in discourses on the future of Uganda.

Drawing from his experience going through the mentorship programme of the DP, Mpuuga said that parties have to adopt deliberate efforts to nurture future national leaders than keeping youths in a position where they cannot articulate their respective party ideologies.

“Between the 40-year-olds and the 70-year-olds, there is a gap, and that void became too big because of our history; a history of one man takes it all, and therefore, there was no opportunity for political organisations and institutions to organise, build, incubate, mentor and deploy young people,” Mpuuga said.

The forum is a culmination of engagements between the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) and leaders of the youth leagues of the six major political parties with representation in Parliament namely; National Resistance Movement (NRM), National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Justice Forum (JEEMA) and People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

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KTA Advocates Formerly, Karuhanga Tabaro & Associates is set to hold the fifth Annual Symposium on Law, Technology, and Innovation.

Under the theme; Achieving Uganda’s National Development Plan(NDP) III Goals; How Intellectual Property, Digital Trade, and the fourth industrial revolution can Facilitate an Inclusive and Robust Digital Economy, the symposium is slated to take place on the 20th and the 21st of October 2022 at the National ICT Innovation Hub Nakawa.

The symposium seeks to facilitate a dialogue between policymakers and members of different industries who have an integral role to play in the acceleration of Uganda toward a robust digital economy. Particularly, the symposium shall serve as an avenue through which those empowered to implement the digital transformation program can consult with stakeholders on key issues related to the program.

The two days event shall address the role of the digital transformation program in the EAC regional integration and the opportunities it holds for Uganda’s economy as well as the creation of a regional digital economy.

“It also seeks to give policymakers direction on how best to implement IP into policy and have meaningful results. The desired result is availing policymakers with valuable insight into how IP can be used to realize the objectives of NDP III as well as how policy can support digital trade and technologies to lead to economic growth. Lastly, the symposium aims to sensitize the public about the financial benefits of IP in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era,” reads part of the statement

According to a statement released by KTA advocates, the Symposium will consist of panel discussions, plenary sessions, break-out sessions, presentations, and speeches by government officials, civil society organizations academics, trailblazers in the technology industry, business actors, and representatives from industry organizations, research institutions, business associations and development partner organizations all of who play a key role in creating and influencing policy and the economy.

“The plenary sessions will allow different makers and creators, the government, academics, and other relevant sectors to discuss key issues, giving informed opinions on the processes of enhancing innovation for social economic transformation. The break-out sessions will allow for more in-depth and technical analysis of salient issues arising from the thematic focus of the conference,” reads part of the statement

The symposium convener shall host an exhibition for startups and entrepreneurs to showcase and market their innovations and products. Among the exhibition, stalls shall be one set up by KTA Advocates and URSB which shall disseminate information about trademark registration and shall offer clients discounted trademark application services and post-registration trademark maintenance.

The event shall include a pitch competition wherein selected startup entities shall present their business concepts to a panel of judges with the winner taking home a prize. The Symposium shall establish a call center where participants may dial in and contribute / or ask questions.

The symposium shall be a hybrid event hosted physically at the National ICT Innovation Hub Nakawa and virtually on YouTube, Facebook, and other online platforms determined by the convener and the organization committee.

The event will end with a live podcast recording of The Big Conversations by Ordinary People Podcast at the MCI Media Hub Kabalagala which will host experts in IP disseminating knowledge on copyright law in Uganda. This shall be followed by a live show performance by Xpressions UG.

KTA Advocates (Formerly, Karuhanga, Tabaro, and Associates) is a specialized award-winning IFLR recommended and a WTR1000 top-tier law firm that focuses on technology, media, telecommunications, intellectual property, and construction law.

The firm provides real-time legal solutions at each step of its client’s business decisions. Alongside its special commercial expertise, the firm’s team of specialized attorneys provides full legal service across various sectors like corporate governance, project finance, international trade, dispute resolution and arbitration, tax finance, civil and commercial litigation, employment, and real estate and property.

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Tooro Kingdom has received Shs 30 Million donation geared towards facilitating the coronation activities to take place on 12th September.

These celebrations are held annually to commemorate the anniversary of the coronation of the Omukama of Tooro, His Majesty King Dr. Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

Speaking at the handover, the Board Chairman of Uganda Breweries Mr. Japheth Katto said that much like Tooro Kingdom, Uganda Breweries, the oldest brewery in Uganda has enjoyed a rich heritage and history due to the passion that Ugandans have for upholding great cultural and heritage institutions.

“200 years of Tooro Kingdom is indeed a showcase of the rich cultural heritage and resilience of the people of Tooro. It shows the people’s zeal in protecting and upholding this great institution and that kind of strength in character resonates with us as Uganda Breweries and with Pilsner Lager, commonly known as the King’s Beer.”

The Shs 30 million from Uganda Breweries Limited through the Pilsner Lager brand was received by Peter Sunday Rusoke, the Minister of Culture of Tooro Kingdom who led a delegation from the kingdom.

“In our 200-year existence, we have relied on the goodwill of first our people and then, stakeholders from outside the kingdom to support us to continue doing the good work that we do in growing our communities through various activities. We are happy that Uganda Breweries has remained a consistent partner, supporting the Tooro Kingdom and in particular our Empango festivities through the years.”

The Brand Manager for Uganda Breweries Edgar Kihumuro said that Pilsner as a brand recognizes the importance of culture and cultural functions in bringing people together something that the brand Pilsner strives to uphold.

“We do this through sponsorship of various cultural festivities like this one, previously the Achooli Cultural Festival, the Bunyoro Coronation Anniversary, and Bamasaba Sports Tournament, to mention a few. “We are a brand that is deeply rooted in the culture and heritage of the Ugandan fabric.”

“Pilsner, aptly known as the Kings Beer, recognizes the important role that culture plays in bringing people together for everyday celebrations, just like our brand. So, our contribution is a way to support Tooro Kingdom as it continues to celebrate its rich history,” Kihumuro said.

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Miss Tourism Uganda is this month scheduled to crown this year’s beauty queen. The Colorful event is scheduled to take place on 23rd September 2022 at Serena Hotel on 23rd September 2022.

This year’s edition is being held under the theme, “Rethinking Tourism”, as the pageant celebrates 10 years of existence.

Over the years, Miss Tourism Uganda has been promoting tourism awareness in Uganda through pageantry and several other initiatives such as conservation, cultural preservation, fashion, Music, and art in partnership with Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and the Ministry of Tourism.

Speaking during the launch at the Uganda museum early this year, Allan Kanyike the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Miss Tourism Uganda said Miss Tourism Uganda revealed that this year’s edition will showcase the achievements of Miss Tourism Uganda for the last 10 years.

“This time around, it’s not the continuation of the past pageants. It is a new start. We want to give it a new image and life. We want to build trust among the people. We want it to be prestigious and glamorous,” he said.

The search for beauty queens has been conducted in different regions and over the weekend they crowned the finalists of the Buganda region, Northern Region and Kigezi Region ahead of the grand finale at Serena Hotel.

This year’s queen will take over from Susan Kahunde Adyeri, the reigning Miss Tourism Uganda from Toro Region.

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The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace has said.

All the Queen’s children are either at, or are travelling to, her Scottish estate near Aberdeen.

“Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision,” a statement said.

The Queen is comfortable, it added.

Prince Charles has travelled there with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Duke of York and the Count and Countess of Wessex are travelling to the Scottish estate, about 40 miles (64km) west of Aberdeen.

The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, was already in Scotland undertaking engagements.

The Duke of Cambridge is also on his way.

The announcement comes after the Queen, 96, pulled out of a meeting of her Privy Council on Wednesday, with doctors advising her to rest.

There are clearly pressing concerns for the Queen’s health – much more explicitly put than before and without any reference to this only being about difficulties with mobility.

There are also warnings against unfounded speculation, such as that she might have had a fall. And on Tuesday she was on her feet and photographed smiling as she appointed the new prime minister.

But from the last-minute cancellation of what would only have been a virtual meeting of the Privy Council – of senior ministers – there is no mistaking the fragility of the Queen’s health.

‘Deeply concerned’

Prime Minister Liz Truss said the “whole country” would be “deeply concerned” by the news.

“My thoughts – and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom – are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time,” she added.

The Queen appointed Ms Truss as prime minister at Balmoral, instead of travelling to London for the event.

During her 70-year reign the Queen has typically had an audience with her new prime minister at Buckingham Palace.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: “My prayers, and the prayers of people across the [Church of England] and the nation, are with Her Majesty The Queen today.

“May God’s presence strengthen and comfort Her Majesty, her family, and those who are caring for her at Balmoral.”

News of the Queen’s ill-health came as MPs heard details of the government’s new plan to help households and businesses with energy costs in the House of Commons.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply worried”, while Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sent her thoughts and wishes to the Queen.

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford sent his best wishes on behalf of the people of Wales.

The monarch has been on a summer break at her Scottish home since July.

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