Politics 29 June 2026 Nile Post
Journalist Timothy Kalyegira charged under Computer Misuse Act after disappearance
Prominent Ugandan journalist Timothy Kalyegira has reappeared and is facing charges under the Computer Misuse Act at Kira Magistrates Court. His lawyer confirmed the charges are related to content allegedly published online. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/352209/missing-journalist-kalyegira-in-custody-faces-computer-misuse-charges
Political commentator and journalist Timothy Kalyegira has resurfaced after several days of uncertainty regarding his whereabouts. His lawyer confirmed on Monday that Kalyegira was taken to Kira Magistrates Court to face charges.
Kalyegira had been uncontactable since Friday, leading to significant concern among his family, friends, and colleagues. His phone was reportedly switched off, and his location remained unknown throughout the weekend.
Details emerging from court indicate that Kalyegira is facing charges related to the Computer Misuse Act, reportedly stemming from content he published on the social media platform X. Lawyer Tumusiime Kato, who was present at the court, stated, “Colleagues, @TimKalyegira is now at Kira Magistrates Court on charges related to Computer Misuse. We should all stand in solidarity with him.”
While the exact social media posts that form the basis of the charges have not yet been publicly disclosed, Kalyegira has recently published extensive commentary on sensitive political and security matters in Uganda, including discussions involving high-ranking military officials.
This is not Kalyegira’s first encounter with legal proceedings. He previously faced sedition and criminal libel charges between 2010 and 2015, which were eventually dismissed. The current situation has raised concerns among digital rights advocates and media professionals regarding the application of the Computer Misuse Act against online expression.
It is important to note that in March 2026, the Constitutional Court nullified significant parts of the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022, due to procedural irregularities in its passage. However, the original 2011 Computer Misuse Act, which covers offences like hacking and electronic fraud, remains in effect.
Neither the Uganda Police Force nor the Judiciary had released an official statement regarding Kalyegira’s arrest or the specific charges by the time of reporting.
This story is based on reporting from Nile Post.