Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has today entered a plea of not guilty for prominent human rights lawyer Sarah Bireete and sent her to Luzira Prison until January 21, 2026, after prosecutors told court that investigations into her case are still ongoing.
Bireete, a well-known governance activist and media commentator, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatikko, who read to her the charge of unlawful obtaining or disclosure of personal data.
According to the charge sheet, the 49-year-old lawyer, a resident of Kiwango–Namwezi Village in Mukono District, is accused of unlawfully obtaining or disclosing personal data, contrary to Sections 35(1) and (2) of the Data Protection and Privacy Act.
State prosecutors allege that between January and December 2025, Bireete, together with others still at large, unlawfully obtained or disclosed information from the National Voters’ Register without the consent of the Electoral Commission. The alleged acts are said to have taken place in Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso districts.
When asked by the magistrate whether she understood the charge, Bireete calmly replied that she did. Asked whether it was true, she responded, “Not true,” prompting the court to officially enter a plea of not guilty.
Chief State Attorney Joan Keko told court that the matter was coming up for plea but investigations were still ongoing, asking for more time. She said prosecution would update court on the status of investigations at the next appearance.
Bireete’s lawyer, Jude Byamukama, did not oppose the request for adjournment but informed court that the defence intended to apply for bail.
Magistrate Jatikko allowed the defence to file the bail application but declined to rule on it immediately, saying prosecution had a right to first respond. She ordered that the bail application be heard on January 21, 2026, and that Bireete remain on remand at Luzira Prison until then.
The charges come just days after the Electoral Commission issued a public warning to political actors, civil society organisations and members of the public, cautioning against publishing voters’ photos or personal details on social media. The commission advised that any complaints regarding the National Voters’ Register should be submitted directly to it to avoid violating privacy laws.
