The legal framework
The Computer Misuse Act 2011, amended in 2022, covers offensive communication and related conduct, and the Anti-Pornography Act 2014 criminalises pornographic material. The Constitutional Court struck down parts of both statutes, and the Anti-Pornography Act in particular has been used against people whose own images were leaked.
Key points
| Computer Misuse Act | Amended in 2022; parts of earlier versions were struck down as unconstitutional |
|---|---|
| Anti-Pornography Act 2014 | Criminalises pornographic material; has been applied to victims |
| Data protection | Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019 applies to identifiable images |
| Constitution | Article 27 protects privacy of person and communication |
| Reporting | Uganda Police Force Cyber Crime Unit |
| Human rights | Uganda Human Rights Commission can award compensation |
| Legal risk to victims | The pornography legislation has been applied to people depicted in leaked images |
| Constitutional decisions | Parts of both statutes have been struck down |
| Legal aid | Organisations can advise before any report is made |
In practice
- Save the evidence before reporting: screenshots with the URL and date, the account name, and any messages.
- Use the platform's own reporting form first — it is the fastest route to removal — then report to the authority.
- Use StopNCII.org or Take It Down for intimate images: they create a digital fingerprint so participating platforms can block re-uploads without you sending the image anywhere.
- Do not pay a person demanding money to delete an image: payment almost always leads to further demands.
- Speak to a legal aid organisation before reporting: the risk profile here is different.
Where to go
- Uganda Police Force Cyber Crime Unit.
- Uganda Human Rights Commission.
- Women's rights organisations providing legal aid.
Worth knowing
Take advice before reporting. Because the pornography legislation has been used against people depicted in leaked images, a legal aid organisation should review your situation first. This is the one jurisdiction covered here where reporting can expose the victim to prosecution. Take advice first.
Official sources and links
- UN Human Rights Office — ratified treaties and country reviews
- ILO NATLEX — national legislation database