We live in a world where many are uncomfortable expressing unpopular opinions because of the adverse reactions this might draw from friends, family, or followers. For the most part, the odds are often stacked against persons that dare to air views which speak truth to power especially if such truths do not particularly tickle their fancy. Following the global outbreak of the coronavirus and first confirmed Covid-19 case in Uganda on 22nd March 2020.

In a zoom session titled “Protecting Freedom of Worship: Reflections on closure of places of worship during Covid-19” last evening, five panellists calling themselves defenders of religion, reasoned that the closure of places of worship amounts to infringement of the citizens’ rights to worship which is provided for in the Constitution. Many people don’t have access to television sets or internet to have and follow church online since that is the only way church is being conducted. Those are the people we are talking about whose right to worship is being violated.

The ongoing pandemic will be blamed for a lot of damage in the world for a long time to come. The responses have been ubiquitous and unnecessarily similar for most countries. Ground planes, close borders, shut up churches and schools then lockdown every living thing within four walls. So far, there seems to be unnecessary emphasis, reporting the litany of donations in what has turned out to be a pissing contest rather than a productive gesture.

Current news of the imminent plans by the Governments of Uganda and Rwanda to adopt the use of microchip technology and creation of a national DNA database respectively — supposedly to enhance disease and crime prevention should draw the deepest concern among citizens of these and other countries on the African Continent.

Following the recent revision, Rwanda’s Penal code which previously stipulated that a woman had to obtain authorisation from a court of law if she wanted to undertake an abortion is now being ammended to provide that an abortion can be carried out after a doctor’s decision. Abortions are now permitted in cases of rape, incest and risk of maternal or infant mortality.

In a bid to curtail further spread of the virus that claimed many lives, different governments undertook general lockdown and banning of any public gatherings including religious or faith based gatherings.

The proponents of the policy purport to be helping the government determine acceptable ways of worship across the different religions, and protect the citizens from potential cults.

The Computer Misuse Act of Uganda was enacted to make provision for the safety and security of electronic transactions and information systems, to prevent unlawful access, abuse or misuse of information systems.

Even when you look at the penal code Act, the Section that talks about disturbance of the person of the President honestly talks about annoying and ridiculing by way of Acts, harm him or enticing people to strike which does not fall within the ambit of electronic use. 

The police officials further asserted that for capital offences, it might be practically impossible to complete extensive investigations within the 48 hour mark. Be that as it may, notwithstanding that the proposition by the Police was declined, if one was to consider the reasons for their initial request that this 48 hour period be extended.

Ugandans have for years now, witnessed the making of ‘donations’ comprising billions of shillings packaged in brown envelopes or promises of the same by the Head of State or top public officials representing the Fountain of Honour at various functions.

Today, some still believe in instituting religious monopolies by requiring all religious leaders to undertake a State-licensed theology training; apparently to prevent what they call “false” bible teachings and immoral behaviour among religious leaders.

Over the past few months, the Church in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda has been at the centre of discussions on the need for regulation. It is only a matter of time before the remaining East African nations pick up the momentum. The question however, is – Is the proposed regulation of the church the best way forward to address the concerns raised?

On the 30th of January 2019, a Bill was tabled before Parliament by MP. John Baptist Nambeshe. It was however met with resistance for all the right reasons; spiritual matters cannot be regulated by law, Uganda is a secular country, and we have enough Penal laws to deal with “wrong” characters. The attempt failed miserably.

The habitual and indiscriminate invocation of Section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act by the State as a response to open opinion and expression poses a dire threat to enjoyment of the freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.

In his capacity as Kabuleta’s legal assistant, Godwin did everything right that is required of him in his profession. This is the very reason he was arrested. What does this imply for the legal fraternity in Uganda? With the on-going narrowing of the civic space, aside from the journalists, could the legal profession also be under attack?

On the evening of 12th July 2019 at about 5:50pm, the Watchman – Joseph Kabuleta while at Drew and Jacs Patisserie at Forest Mall Lugogo was arrested and taken by security operatives driving a Toyota Wish under registration plate no. UBB 459D; shortly before he headed out to his weekly fellowship.

On Wednesday, 27th February 2019, Rwandan Authorities blocked trucks from accessing the country via the Katuna border to pave way for contruction works on the road. Rwanda’s decision to stop cargo trucks and people from using the Katuna-Gatuna border post will escalate many troubles between the two countries.

It would be wrong to imagine that the torture, killing or disappearing of detainees might be a relatively new phenomenon in Uganda, but rather offers irrefutable evidence of the continuation of a decades-old tried and trusted state method of dealing with real and imagined dissent, which long predates the current conflict and indeed the current regime.