Human Rights Lawyer Accuses Government of Phone Surveillance After Leaked Audio

Lawyer and human rights activist Sarah Bireete has expressed concern over what she sees as an increase in cyber harassment in Uganda.

In a post on her X account, Bireete accused the government of tapping phone calls without permission and leaking private conversations to the public. She described this as “excessive impunity” and called on President Museveni to address the issue.

Her remarks follow the release of an audio recording of an alleged conversation between MP Ssemujju Nganda and journalist Ivan Okuda. In the leaked audio, they discussed a previous exchange between Ssemujju and journalist Andrew Mwenda on NBS TV’s Frontline programme.

The discussion focused on Mwenda’s political views and his alleged involvement in state affairs. Ssemujju claimed that Mwenda presents himself as an independent journalist while working closely with the government.

He alleged that Mwenda had previously boasted about helping to secure Kampala during elections, including raising funds from business people and taking part in operations linked to kidnappings.

Okuda said he had heard similar claims from other sources. They also noted that Mwenda often shares information to show his influence, which they believed worked against him during their debate on Frontline.

Ssemujju also criticised what he described as double standards in law enforcement. He pointed out that some opposition supporters had been jailed for wearing red berets, while people like Mwenda, who had appeared in military attire, were not punished. He argued that such actions create political tension.

The leaked audio has raised fresh concerns about government surveillance. Some Ugandans are now questioning how private conversations are being accessed and shared publicly. Critics argue that this violates privacy rights and could be used to silence government critics.

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