THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY IN UGANDA: AN EXAMINATION OF THE ROLEOFINTERNET INTERMEDIARIES
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Date
2025-06-11
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
The right to privacy in Uganda’s digital landscape faces increasing challenges due to the expanding role of internet intermediaries in compromising user privacy through data collection, surveillance, and inadequate security measures. This study examines the theoretical development of internet intermediary, exploring perspectives such as Actor-Network Theory, the Social Construction of Technology theory and the political economy of communication to understand the societal impact of privacy regulation. The objectives that guided the study were to discuss the theoretical
development of internet intermediaries, to analyze the legal framework governing data protection and online privacy in Uganda and to assess the role of intermediaries in data protection and privacy. The research analyzes key statutes such as the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, Data Protection and Privacy Act, Chapter 97, Laws of Uganda (RevisedEdition2023), Computer Misuse Act, Chapter 96, Laws of Uganda (RevisedEdition2023), Electronic Transactions Act, Chapter 99, Laws of Uganda (RevisedEdition2023), and Uganda Communications Act, Chapter 103, Laws of Uganda(Revised Edition 2023). While these laws establish foundational principles for data protection, gaps in consent provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and AI
regulation weaken their effectiveness. This study establishes that Uganda’s existing data protection measures are insufficient, necessitating urgent reforms such as strengthening data protection policies, improving user consent frameworks, promoting transparency, AI governance laws to ensure privacy rights are upheld. Uganda must develop tailored legislation to address these challenges, fostering greater accountability and ethical governance among intermediaries. By reinforcing regulatory structures, enforcement capacity, and user education, Uganda can establish a more secure and rights-based digital environment for its citizens.
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