State prosecutor Allan Mucunguzi told court that investigations were still ongoing and sought time to upload documents relating to the case onto the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).
Political activist and human rights lawyer Praise Aloikin Opoloje has been remanded to Luzira Prison after being charged with allegedly using a SIM card registered in another person’s name.
Opoloje appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 28, 2026, and denied the charge. Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko remanded her until October 14, when she is expected to return to court.
The prosecution charged Opoloje with using another person’s SIM card, contrary to Regulation 29 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations, 2024.
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According to the charge sheet, Opoloje allegedly used an MTN SIM card registered in the name of Martha Nalapa Tasima during September 2026 in Rubaga and Kampala Central divisions, allegedly “for the purpose of executing illegal activity.” Martha Nalapa Tasima is alleged to be Opoloje’s mother.
Opoloje pleaded not guilty to the charge.
State prosecutor Allan Mucunguzi told court that investigations were still ongoing and sought time to upload documents relating to the case onto the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).
The court remanded Opoloje without hearing her bail application and adjourned the case to October 14.
The charge brought before court, however, differs from the allegation announced earlier by Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, who said Opoloje would appear in court over broadcasting without a licence. Police have not publicly explained the discrepancy.
Opoloje was taken into custody on Saturday after going to Namungoona Police Station over a dispute involving a carpet. According to accounts by fellow activists, officers at the station told her that military intelligence personnel wanted to question her over remarks concerning Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Police later confirmed that she was in custody over allegations linked to misuse of digital platforms.
The charge sheet presented in court does not expressly link the alleged SIM card offence to the video or remarks concerning Gen Muhoozi.
Opoloje, who is also a law student, received the European Union Human Rights Defenders Award in 2025 for her work relating to civil liberties, accountability and social justice.
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