Surveillance Spike Ahead of Uganda’s 2026 Elections
Kampala, Uganda
A new report by Unwanted Witness alleges increasing state surveillance of Ugandans, especially as the country approaches its 2026 general election. Intelligence agencies — including the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), police, and military intelligence — are said to be tracking citizens via digital tools, including spyware, with minimal judicial oversight.
Why it matters:
Threatens civil liberties and democratic space.
May chill political dissent and discourage opposition organizing.
Raises questions about data protection, privacy laws, and foreign tech involvement.
What to watch:
Whether Parliament or civil society pushes for data protection or digital rights reforms.
Reports of arrests or harassment tied to surveillance.
State response — will security agencies defend or justify the surveillance?
Role of foreign tech providers in enabling surveillance.
