news 28 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Activist Praise Aloikin Remanded Over SIM Card Law Allegations
EU award-winning activist Praise Aloikin has been remanded to Luzira prison until October 14, 2026, after pleading not guilty to charges of unlawfully using a SIM card registered to her mother for illegal activities. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/eu-award-winning-activist-praise-aloikin-remanded-over-sim-card-law-violation-5612450
Prominent human rights lawyer and activist Praise Aloikin Opoloje, 27, was on Monday, September 28, 2026, remanded to prison by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court. Opoloje pleaded not guilty to a charge of using another person’s SIM card, contrary to the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations, 2024.
The state alleges that Opoloje unlawfully used an MTN mobile number registered under her mother, Martha Nalapa Tasima, for illegal purposes during September 2026. The prosecution requested an adjournment to upload necessary documents to the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).
Opoloje’s arrest and detention over the weekend sparked widespread concern, with civic groups and activists condemning the circumstances. Agora Discourse reported that she was initially summoned by police before being handed over to intelligence operatives. Her detention followed a video criticizing Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the Patriotic League of Uganda.
A coalition of human rights advocates, including Eron Kiiza and Sarah Kasande, issued a statement denouncing the handover as “state-facilitated collusion” and asserting that public commentary is protected under Article 29 of the Constitution.
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, along with other activists and civil society groups, called for her release under the hashtag #FreePraiseAloikin. Opoloje, a recipient of the 2025 European Union Human Rights Defenders Award, has a history of activism, including organizing protests against corruption and government negligence.