By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has demanded an immediate review of the criminal case against lawyer and human rights defender Praise Aloikin Opoloje, while calling for an investigation into the conduct of Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko.
In a strongly worded statement, ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde, SC, called on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lino Anguzu, to review and withdraw the charge against Aloikin and secure her immediate release pending any proper and lawful proceedings.
Aloikin was on September 28, 2026, produced before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court and charged under Regulation 29 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations, 2024, over allegations that she used a SIM card registered in another person’s name for an illegal purpose.
She pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody until October 14.
ULS disputes the legality of the charge, arguing that the charge sheet does not specify the alleged “illegal purpose” for which the SIM card was used.
The Law Society said this failure to provide sufficient particulars violates requirements under Sections 85 and 88(o) of the Magistrates Courts Act, which require criminal charges to disclose with reasonable certainty the specific act or omission alleged to constitute an offence.
ULS also argues that Regulation 29, under which Aloikin was charged, is not properly anchored in the parent legislation and is therefore invalid.
The Society further questioned the handling of the case by the prosecution, saying the State prosecutor, Allan Mucunguzi, sought Aloikin’s continued detention despite acknowledging that investigations were incomplete and that relevant documents had not yet been uploaded to the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).
ULS said the circumstances raised questions about the necessity of continued detention and whether less restrictive alternatives had been properly considered.
The Law Society has therefore called on the ODPP to provide a full public account of the decision to charge Aloikin, including the instructions given to prosecutors in cases involving the use of social-networking and over-the-top (OTT) platforms.
The organisation also wants the Judiciary to urgently review the practice of imposing lengthy remands in cases it describes as politically sensitive, particularly where investigations have not been completed.
Probe into Magistrate Jatiko
ULS has separately called for an immediate investigation into Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko, accusing her of persistent breaches of the law and abuse of office in connection with the handling of Aloikin’s case.
The Law Society criticised the decision to remand Aloikin until October 14, arguing that pretrial detention should not be treated as a routine measure, particularly where the prosecution’s investigations remain incomplete.
ULS also questioned the circumstances surrounding the adjournment of the proceedings and the decision to keep Aloikin in custody.
The Society said the extended remand was particularly concerning because Aoikin is a 27-year-old mother whose child is now without her care.
ULS referred to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-Custodial Measures, commonly known as the Tokyo Rules, which emphasise that pretrial detention should be used as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period.
The Law Society’s criticism comes amid a wider dispute over whether criminal law is being used in cases involving criticism expressed through social media.
ULS alleges that Aloikin’s prosecution is connected to her social-media criticism of Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and his political activities. The Society characterises the prosecution as an attempt to suppress protected expression.
Those allegations have not been established by a court, and the prosecution’s case remains before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court.
ULS also criticised an alternative allegation reportedly considered by police involving “broadcasting without a licence” under Section 28 of the Uganda Communications Act. The Society argues that the provision applies to television and radio operators and should not be used against social-media users.
The organisation has urged lawyers handling similar cases to challenge what it describes as abuses of process and to make use of available bail provisions.
Among the specific measures demanded by ULS are the withdrawal of the charge against Aloikin, her immediate release pending any lawful proceedings, a public explanation from the ODPP over the decision to prosecute her, a Judiciary review of lengthy remands in politically sensitive cases and an investigation into Magistrate Jatiko.
“The criminal justice system is not a tool for silencing critics,” Ssemakadde said in the statement, adding that ULS would continue to oppose what it described as the use of legal processes to undermine constitutional rights.
Aloikin remains in custody pending her next appearance on October 14, when the court is expected to consider the case further. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
