Inter-University moot competition championing privacy rights launched
Frank Semata 
Unwanted Witness and the Public Interest Law Clinic, Makerere University-Kampala (PILAC) have announced the launch of the second edition of the Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Court Competition.
The highly anticipated learning event seeks to provide law students and young law professionals with the opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge in privacy law and Technology.
Now in its second year, the Privacy Moot court competition will take place from 21st to 22nd September 2023 at Makerere University Law School under the theme "Balancing Privacy Rights and National Security: Navigating the Impact of Surveillance Laws on Individual Freedoms."
The organizers say the theme will explore the tension between the need for national security and the protection of individual privacy rights, particularly in the context of surveillance laws.
“This theme will consider questions such as: How government and vendors of surveillance technologies can meet their duties and obligations under UN guiding principles on business and human rights? How can individuals and organizations protect their privacy in an age of increasing digital surveillance?” noted Allan Sempala, a digital rights activist.
Some of the participants during last year's privacy moot competition held at Makerere University
“Government is making large investments in new surveillance technologies, with laws that expand their surveillance powers but wanting on accountability and oversight.”
He added that there is need for more scrutiny in ensuring that human rights and personal data are not abused.
“We are increasingly observing the privatization of public responsibilities through public-private surveillance partnership without any human rights safeguards. There is need for more scrutiny than ever to ensure human rights are not quietly abused, especially when the systems deployed are used for mass processing of personal data.”
The moot court competition will require participants to argue from both perspectives, representing different stakeholders such as government agencies and private individuals. Participants will also be tasked to propose practical solutions that balance national security concerns with the protection of privacy rights.
Mrs. Dorothy Mukasa on behalf of Unwanted Witness signed a strategic MOU with PILAC’s Dr. Ateenyi during a press conference at Makerere University in the presence of Adv. Judith Aboto. Photo/COURTESY
The competition will feature participants from a variety of law schools in Uganda, who will argue a hypothetical privacy case before a panel of experienced judges and legal experts; showcasing their knowledge of privacy law and their ability to effectively advocate for their clients.
“We believe that the Privacy Moot Court Competition will play a significant role in promoting public awareness and understanding of privacy law, and we are excited to provide this opportunity for legal professionals to grow and develop their skills.” Mmeme Leticia a communications expert noted.
