A critical analysis of the law on cybercrimes in Uganda

Abstract

The discovery of computer and information technology has increased the tremendous development and so many technological changes, to the extent that it has affected every area of mankind. Nevertheless, many governments and business Institutions fear of the negative impact the information technologies can have on their own citizens and businesses because of the potential dangers it carries and because of the social, economic and security challenges it poses. Consequently, special attention is needed to prevent cyberspace from turning into a source of danger for states and citizens, and to the business communities. Many countries have adopted particular regulations and legislations as an answer to the need of ensuring security measures. Uganda in particular, with the available legal and institutional framework, the country continues to experience increasing cybercrimes. Crimes such as cyber terrorism, intellectual property infringement, internet usage policy abuses, internet fraud, industrial espionage and altering of data, on-line child exploitation and pornography, illegal goods purchasing, piracy, impersonation and hacking, remain a challenge. This dissertation reviewed and critiqued the Computer Misuse Act law by identifying the gaps therein and how such gaps have encouraged cybercrime in Uganda and whether the current legal regime and available technical skills answer the contemporary complications in the cyber-crime arena in Uganda and further, it proposes the recommendations for necessary legal reforms.