The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for an immediate review of the criminal case against lawyer and human rights defender Praise Aloikin Opoloje. Opoloje was charged on September 28, 2026, with allegedly using a SIM card registered in another person’s name for an illegal purpose. ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde has challenged the charge, arguing that it does not specify the alleged illegal activity for which the SIM card was purportedly used.
Opoloje was remanded to Luzira Prison until October 14 after denying the charge. The ULS has criticised the decision to keep Opoloje on remand while investigations are still ongoing. Court reports indicate that prosecutors told court that investigations had not yet been completed when she appeared. The Society is calling on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to withdraw the charge and provide an explanation for the decision to prosecute Opoloje under the provision.
The ULS also wants the Judiciary to investigate the conduct of Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko, who handled the proceedings. Opoloje’s case has attracted attention from lawyers and human rights activists following her reported removal from Namungoona Police Station by armed personnel on September 26. She was subsequently produced in court and charged over alleged misuse of a SIM card registered in another person’s name.
The charge against Opoloje is based on Regulation 29 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations, 2024. However, Ssemakadde has questioned the legal basis of Regulation 29, saying it is not properly anchored in the parent legislation. The ULS is demanding that the ODPP provide an explanation for the decision to prosecute Opoloje under this provision.
Opoloje is scheduled to return to court on October 14, when her lawyers are expected to seek bail. The ULS has expressed concern about the handling of Opoloje's case, particularly the decision to charge her and keep her on remand. The Society is advocating for the rights of lawyers and human rights defenders in Uganda.
The case has sparked debate among lawyers and human rights activists in Uganda. Many have expressed concern about the implications of the charge against Opoloje and the conduct of the magistrate. The ULS is calling for a review of the case and an investigation into the magistrate's handling of the proceedings.
The ULS President has urged the ODPP and the Judiciary to take immediate action to address the concerns raised about Opoloje's case. The Society will continue to monitor the case and advocate for the rights of lawyers and human rights defenders in Uganda.
Key points
- ULS calls for review of Opoloje's case and investigation into Magistrate Jatiko's conduct.
- Opoloje charged with allegedly using SIM card registered in another person's name for illegal purpose.
- ULS questions legal basis of Regulation 29 under which Opoloje was charged.
