Evaluating the Ethical Implications of Mass Surveillance on Individual Rights in Uganda
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Date
2025-05-27
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UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Abstract
This dissertation explores the ethical implications of mass surveillance on individual rights in Uganda. With the increasing digitization of society, governments are implementing surveillance technologies ostensibly to ensure national security, in Uganda; these efforts have raised concerns regarding the protection of privacy, data security, and civil liberties. The study investigates the extent of surveillance, assesses its impact on individual freedoms, and evaluates the existing legal and ethical frameworks. Using a qualitative research methodology, the research analyses laws such as the Computer Misuse Act (2011),the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act (2010),and Ant-Terrorism Act (2002),and juxtaposes these against human rights principles. Findings show that while surveillance has benefits, such as crime prevention, it often lacks oversight, transparency, and accountability, leading to abuses of power. The study concludes that Uganda’s current surveillance regime disproportionately prioritizes state security over individual rights, creating an ethical imbalance. Recommendations include strengthening legal safeguards, judicial oversight and enhancing public awareness on digital rights.