Unwanted Witness Uganda

Demanding personal data without safeguards undermines public trust. Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) must respect privacy laws & conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment before accessing NWSC datasets. We call on the Personal Data Protection Office to take immediate action! Read our full statement: https://bit.ly/41FKO1o

The recent report regarding the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) requesting extensive personal data from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) raises significant concerns about privacy and citizens’ rights. While enhancing tax compliance is an important objective, these actions must strictly adhere to Uganda's legal and ethical frameworks. We believe that both URA and NWSC, as trusted public institutions, have an obligation to comply fully with Uganda's Data Protection and Privacy Act. They must ensure that data sharing is conducted transparently, with clear legal authority and proper consent. In response to this development, we have issued a formal statement expressing our concerns and calling on both institutions to adhere to the law when handling citizens' personal information. Data privacy is a fundamental right, and safeguarding it should be a priority in any government initiative, especially when sensitive personal data is involved. We strongly urge URA and NWSC to act in full compliance with legal standards, creating a culture of transparency and trust while upholding citizens' privacy rights. We believe that respect for the law and ethical practices should be at the core of all governmental actions. For a deeper exploration of our position on this issue, you can read our full statement here. https://bit.ly/41FKO1o

As we take a moment to reflect on the year that has passed, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated partners, and exceptional team members for making 2024 such a remarkable year! Your unwavering support, collaborative spirit, and trust in our vision have been the cornerstone of our achievements. This year has been filled with exciting projects and memorable milestones, and none of it would have been possible without your involvement. We truly value the relationships we've built and are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside each of you. As we approach the holiday season, we wish for you and your loved ones a joyous time filled with peace, happiness, and cherished moments together. May this special season provide a well-deserved break and time for reflection on the successes of the past year Looking ahead, we are filled with optimism and enthusiasm for what 2025 will bring. We are eager to continue our journey of growth and to join forces in achieving even greater accomplishments together. Wishing you all a very Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year ahead! Thank you for being an integral part of our story. #MerryXmas #PrivacyRights #HappyHolidays #Grateful #NewYear2025 #UnwantedWitness

In 2021, the Privacy Scorecard emerged as a transformative and essential tool in the realm of data protection compliance monitoring. Initially aimed at evaluating the practices of data collectors in Uganda, this innovative mechanism has rapidly evolved, transcending geographical boundaries and various legal jurisdictions, thereby making a substantial impact on a global scale. Each successive edition of the Privacy Scorecard has expanded its purview significantly:   - The inaugural edition concentrated solely on key data collection practices within Uganda, setting the groundwork for rigorous analysis.   - In the 2nd edition, the focus broadened to include Kenya, reflecting an understanding of the regional importance of data privacy.   - The 3rd edition further encompassed Mauritius and Zimbabwe, highlighting the urgency and relevance of data protection across diverse landscapes. With the launch of the 4th edition, we reach a significant milestone, as it now evaluates the data protection practices of six countries: Rwanda, Tanzania, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Uganda. This expanded framework not only showcases the Privacy Scorecard’s escalating influence but also emphasizes a commitment to fostering best practices in data protection. It empowers citizens to demand greater transparency and accountability from organizations regarding the collection and utilization of their personal data. The guiding principle behind this initiative is both straightforward and powerful: “𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐭, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐭.” This foundational tenet is crucial for ensuring that those who collect and process data adhere to ethical standards. It seeks to establish a climate of trust between consumers and data custodians, reinforcing the safeguarding of privacy rights across the globe. Let us collectively strive to instigate positive changes in the data protection terrain. By holding companies accountable for their practices, we can ensure that the personal data of individuals is respected and protected, contributing to a more secure future for everyone. #Privacy #DataProtection #Compliance #DataRights #GlobalImpact #PrivacyScorecard #Transparency #EthicalDataHandling #Trust

The stage is set, and our esteemed speakers and guests have officially arrived in Harare for #PSA2024! We are thrilled to welcome these thought leaders, innovators, and advocates. With exciting discussions, intuitive presentations, and high-level networking ahead, the anticipation is palpable! From the moment they landed, our VIP guests have received warm greetings and excitement as they prepare to share their expertise on the existing gap in policies, technology and societal dynamics in Africa. As we count down to the start of this groundbreaking event, we eagerly await the rich exchange of ideas that will help shape the future of privacy and human rights in Africa. Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready for a truly impactful #PSA2024! Remember registrations close at midnight CAT. Don’t miss out! http://bit.ly/3KdhzJk Unwanted Witness Uganda|Lucianna Thuo|Accountability Lab Zimbabwe|Daystar University|Ngoni Phillip Sandengu|Moira Mapundu|Julie Owono|Chioneso Samantha K.|Tapiwa Farai Masendu|Jabulani Kwaramba|Edith Utete|SALOME NZUMA|Open Society Foundations|William and Flora Hewlett Foundation|Privacy International|Privacy Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe|Civil Rights Defenders

The 6th Privacy Symposium Africa under the theme Bridging Policy, Technology, and Societal Dynamics, focusing on enhancing the intersection of these areas in data protection was quite an insightful event. The symposium brought together privacy experts, policymakers, business leaders, and individuals from across Africa to discuss key issues surrounding data protection. One of the highlights was a special session titled Women in Privacy 2024 led by Amaka Ibeji, FIP, AIGP, CIPM, CISA, CISM, CISSP, DDN QTE , an AI Governance Faculty Member at the International Association of Privacy Professionals. This session aimed to offer guidance to aspiring women in privacy and outline future advocacy visions. The event also featured masterclasses, panel discussions, and a call for papers on election data governance. The Privacy ScoreCard Report was launched, assessing the current privacy landscape in Africa. Overall, the symposium provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and collaborate on advancing data protection and privacy in Africa. Looking forward to more discussions around Artificial Intelligence and data protection. Privacy Symposium Africa POTRAZ Unwanted Witness Uganda Amaka Ibeji, FIP, AIGP, CIPM, CISA, CISM, CISSP, DDN QTE Melissa Chasi MISA Regional Tanaka Dzomba Tinetariro Blessing Mushoriwa

REFLECTIONS ON THE 6th PRIVACY SYMPOSIUM AFRICA (Part 1) - 19 to 21 November 2024 It was a privilege attending the 6th Privacy Symposium Africa in Harare, themed “BRIDGING POLICY, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETAL DYNAMICS” Organized by Unwanted Witness Uganda & hosted by MISA Zimbabwe. This event was a unique opportunity to delve into discussions on Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection, & Privacy, bringing together business leaders, cyber security experts, legal professionals, government officials & CSOs from across the African continent. 🔐 Key Takeaways: 1. African Solutions for African Problems: - Emphasis on the importance of learning from global examples as the EU, China, & Estonia, while tailoring solutions to the specific cultural & societal dynamics of African nations. The copy-paste approach to regulation is ineffective; proactive involvement in the development of AI & emerging technologies is crucial. As highlighted, "We cannot regulate that which we do not understand & we cannot understand what we only consume." The call for Africa to develop its own technologies, support local innovations, & invest in R&D for homegrown solutions was raised. 2. The Role of Digital Literacy in Data Protection & Privacy Regulation🧑💻: - The necessity of deliberate efforts to educate & enlighten people on digital literacy, ensuring no one & no place is left behind. Addressing the risks faced by a digitally illiterate community, which remains vulnerable to privacy breaches & compromised data integrity. Collaborative efforts by Data Protection Authorities, CSOs & private sector organizations are vital in raising awareness of Data Protection legislation and regulations. Special emphasis on involving marginalized communities, women, and the disabled is essential to revolutionize digital literacy. 3. Addressing the Challenges of AI Regulation: - Understanding and investigating the current state of AI regulation in Africa as a foundational step towards developing practical regulatory frameworks. Involving end-users, developers, and all relevant stakeholders in the regulatory process to ensure comprehensive & applicable frameworks. Learning from global best practices & avoiding the pitfalls experienced elsewhere. Building upon existing frameworks, such as data protection & cybercrime frameworks, instead of developing entirely new legislation. Ensuring the persistence of existing data protection principles in AI regulation & addressing issues related to automated content, processes, and deepfakes. Developing frameworks with practical enforcement mechanisms & empowering data regulators to perform their duties independently. to be continued... POTRAZ The Law Society of Zimbabwe Mushoriwa Moyo Tanaka Dzomba Natasha Nyathi - Mashonganyika Kelvin Sabao Phephile Bhembe Amaka Ibeji, FIP, AIGP, CIPM, CISA, CISM, CISSP, DDN QTE Komborerai Allan Manenji, LLM, CDPO, CC, Esq Hon Tatenda Mavetera Lucianna Thuo Tsitsi Mariwo

We promised. We committed. And we delivered 🤝 The #UWPrivacyMoot2024 champions, Stacey Maina & Buke Halkano from Daystar University Kenya, have landed in Zimbabwe ahead of #PSA2024, kicking off tomorrow at Holiday Inn, Harare.  These incredible champions will share their journey to success, insights from the #UWPrivacyMoot2024, and how the experience has shaped their careers and perspectives.  📌 Don’t miss their session:   𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 2024: 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞  🗓️ Tomorrow | 12:30–1:30 PM   📍 Live from Holiday Inn, Harare.  Savour every moment, champs—you’ve earned it! 🏆  Stay tuned for updates! #PSA2024 Islamic University in Uganda | AF Mpanga Advocates | William and Flora Hewlett Foundation | Lucianna Thuo | The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) | Law Society of Kenya | The Law Society of Zimbabwe | Africa Nazarene University | Uganda Christian University | University of Embu | Uganda Law Society

This morning, Unwanted Witness Uganda, in partnership with MISA Zimbabwe, held a breakfast meeting on "Pre-Convening on the Impact of Surveillance on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and Journalists in East and Southern Africa." Sempala Allan Kigozi, Head of Programs and Legal, on behalf of the Executive Director-Unwanted Witness, Dorothy Mukasa, during his opening remarks expressed grave concerns about surveillance and its risks to HRDs, stating, “These issues threaten privacy and jeopardize personal security, complicating our essential work in protecting human rights.” He highlighted the importance of understanding and addressing these threats through knowledge sharing. Following the Remarks was a presentation from Christopher Musodza~ Executive Director, Fungi AI Africa who brought to the attention of the participants the lack of judicial oversight in surveillance requests, especially in Zimbabwe, where mobile providers are able to route calls through the regulator, allowing access to call details without listening. Online surveillance is also a significant risk, as searches can track individuals’ online behavior, and spyware can bypass encryption to access sensitive data. He also emphasized the critical role of mobile network providers and smartphone companies in this surveillance landscape, noting that apps can track locations and interactions, granting companies extensive access to personal information. He concluded by stressing the need for proper regulation to protect personal data amid growing access by governments and private entities. The breakfast meeting served as an important platform to raise awareness about the increasing threats that surveillance poses to human rights defenders and journalists in East and Southern Africa. With valuable insights from experts such as Sempala Allan Kigozi and Christopher Musodza, it became evident that stronger regulatory frameworks, increased transparency, and heightened vigilance are essential for protecting personal privacy and security in our digital age. As this conversation continues, it is vital for governments, private entities, and civil society to collaborate in order to safeguard human rights against the risks associated with unchecked surveillance. MISA Regional|Ford Foundation|William and Flora Hewlett Foundation|Accountability Lab Zimbabwe|Privacy International|Privacy Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞-𝐔𝐩 Join our panelists from across Africa for in-depth discussions on various topics during Day One of #PSA2024. The panel titled "𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬" aims to achieve the following goals: - Enhance understanding of global perspectives on AI regulation and data protection. - Identify common challenges and best practices applicable to African contexts. - Empower African policymakers with actionable insights to strengthen AI regulation and safeguard data privacy. - Promote dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to develop effective and contextually relevant regulatory frameworks. The discussion will not only focus on gaining perspectives but will also feature a panel discussing "𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 by MISA Zimbabwe" As artificial intelligence is rapidly adopted and integrated, its power grows each day. It is essential to understand how AI can be utilized for good, rather than for negative impacts, particularly in relation to policies, technology, and the ever-changing needs of society. Our panel discussion will conclude with an engaging conversation on the extent of our online sharing and the associated privacy risks. This final panel is titled "𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚: 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠?" Edith Utete| Komborerai Allan Manenji, LLM, CDPO, CC, Esq|Cornelia Kutterer, LL.M.| Oladotun Owoyemi, CIPP/E|Julie Owono|Janet Machuka|Melissa Chasi| Shanée R. Banda|SALOME NZUMA| Rutendo Mugadza Mugwagwa| Nkosana Maphosa|Melody Musoni, PhD