KAMPALA: Legislators who sit on the Parliamentary Forum on Media were today cautioned to desist from passing vague and repressive laws during a round-table discussion about cyber security at Imperial Royale Hotel.

Catherine Anite, a human rights advocate focusing on the promotion and defence of freedom of expression, media rights, and access to information in Uganda reminded MPs that Amama Mbabazi was behind the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act, 2010.

“He (Amama Mbabazi) was the brain behind the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act, 2010 and the law has been used to whip him. You may be the next victims”

Jeff Wokulira Ssebeggala aka unwanted witness said that “Government does not have the capacity to spy everyone but order communication companies to keep user’s data and provide it when necessary.”  He termed this as “infringing on human rights.”

In response, Hon. Milton Muwuma, Kigulu South MP told the forum that “Uganda has just embraced ICT” and promised that with time, legislators will pass good laws in relation to cyber security. However, he emphasised that “freedom of expression must be balanced. How can there be a balance between freedom of expression and security?” he posed.

Hon. Peter Okech, MP Bukooli Island, who chaired the forum promised journalists that their “ideas will be taken into account during the constitutional amendments.”

The forum brings together journalists bodies that include Uganda Parliamentary Press Association and Uganda Journalists Union.