Monday, July 5, 2010

Uganda: MPs split on phone tapping Bill

MPs on the information communication technology committee (ICT) have disagreed over the Interception of communication Bill.

Committee chairperson Nathan Nabeta (NRM) submitted a detailed report on Thursday, after an earlier one was rejected for being shallow.

The Bill seeks to make provisions for the lawful interception and monitoring of certain communications. It also seeks to empower the security minister to issue warrants to intercept communication in case of crimes against the State.

It also empowers security agencies to intercept terrorism-related postal letters and monetary payments.

The committee, in its report, recommends that the Bill be passed into law, subject to some changes. “Rampant human sacrifice that have frequently targeted innocent children are facilitated by efficient communication.

With this Bill, the Government will be able to keep up with the criminals,” Nabeta said.

However, opposition MPs Isha Otto (UPC) and Alex Oceng Penytoo (FDC) opposed the report, saying the restrictions in the Bill were a threat to human rights.

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