The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to Dr. Sarah Bireete, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), in a case involving alleged unlawful access to and disclosure of voters’ personal data.

According to court records, Dr. Bireete was released on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, after meeting bail conditions that included a cash bond of UGX 1 million. Each of her sureties was bonded at UGX 10 million non-cash. The court also ordered her to surrender her passport, preventing her from leaving the country without court permission while the case is ongoing.

Dr. Bireete is expected to return to court on February 27, 2026, for further proceedings.

The prosecution alleges that between January and December 2025, Dr. Bireete and others still at large unlawfully accessed and disclosed personal voter information without authorisation from the Electoral Commission.

These actions are said to violate provisions of Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019.

Appearing before the court, Dr. Bireete denied all charges. She maintained her innocence and stated that it is the responsibility of the prosecution to present evidence sufficient to prove the case against her.

If convicted, she faces penalties provided for under the data protection law. The case has drawn public attention to the handling of citizens’ personal data in Uganda, especially in relation to the recently concluded presidential elections and the ongoing local council elections.