Kampala, Uganda – Wednesday 20^th March, 2024, Unwanted Witness, in collaboration with the Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ-Kenya), AF Mpanga, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and Daystar University, Nairobi Campus is thrilled to announce the launch of the 3rd Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Competition, slated to commence on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Islamic University In Uganda (IUIU) – Kampala Campus. This year’s competition carries the profound theme, “Safeguarding Electoral Integrity: Upholding Voter Privacy in Democratic Processes,” reflecting the pressing need to prioritize voter privacy in democratic systems.

The Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Competition serves as a platform for universities from Uganda and Kenya to engage in rigorous legal discourse surrounding privacy issues within electoral processes. Unlike previous editions, each university will now be represented by strictly one team, ensuring fair and competitive participation.

The 3rd Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Court Competition 2024hypothetical case raises several key legal issues, including:

• Does the utilization of biometric technology in voter registration and authentication infringe upon citizens’ right to privacy? How does the collection and storage of biometric data align with existing data protection laws and international privacy standards?
• What measures are in place to ensure the security and confidentiality of the collected biometric data? Are there safeguards against potential data breaches or misuse by unauthorized parties?
• Do the election management bodies and associated political entities adhere to fair and lawful practices in accessing and utilizing voters’ personal data? Are there mechanisms in place to prevent exploitation or manipulation of such data for political gain? 
• What regulatory framework or oversight mechanisms exist to hold the Electoral Commission and collaborating entities accountable for maintaining the ethical standards of data usage? Is there transparency in how the data is accessed and utilized by various stakeholders? 

Speaking on the significance of this year’s theme, Mr. Sempala Allan Kigozi the Head Legal and Programs at Unwanted Witness, remarked, “In a democracy, the integrity of electoral processes is paramount. Upholding voter privacy not only safeguards individual rights but also ensures the legitimacy and fairness of elections. Through this competition, we aim to ignite meaningful discussions and promote practical solutions to enhance electoral integrity.”

Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Julie Matheka, Programme Manager- Democratic Governance and Rule of Law, ICJ-Kenya, emphasized, “ICJ-Kenya is proud to be part of an initiative that aligns with our vision of promoting a just, free, and equitable society. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to human rights and the development of legal expertise that enhances democratic governance.”

The competition will kick off with a pre-moot conference for stakeholders at Daystar University Nairobi Campus on 12^th September, 2024, setting the stage for a series of preliminary rounds. Ugandan teams will compete in Kampala on September 16, 2024, while Kenyan teams will face off in Nairobi on September 13, 2024. The top four universities from each country will advance to the quarter-finals, scheduled to take place in Nairobi on September 19, 2024. The grand finale, featuring the semi-finals and finals, will culminate on September 20, 2024, at Daystar University Nairobi Campus.

This year’s champions will not only claim a prestigious trophy but also receive a cash prize of $1,000 and a fully paid trip to attend the 6th Privacy Symposium Africa. The competition underscores the critical role of privacy in safeguarding democratic principles and underscores the commitment of both Unwanted Witness and ICJ-Kenya to advancing human rights and justice in the region.

About Unwanted Witness:

Unwanted Witness, a prominent digital rights organization in Uganda, has been advocating for the ethical and inclusive use of technology since its establishment in 2012. The Privacy Moot Court Competition stands as a testament to its commitment to promoting the right to privacy, fostering research, advocacy, and legal expertise among aspiring legal professionals.

Website: www.unwantedwitness.org   

About ICJ-Kenya:

ICJ-Kenya is a non-governmental, non-profit, member-based organization committed to being a premier human rights organization. Their vision is to promote a just, free, and equitable society through various initiatives, including partnerships and collaborations that advance human rights causes.

Website: https://icj-kenya.org/

About AF Mpanga:

AF Mpanga founded in 2003, has established itself as a leading full-service corporate- commercial law firm in Uganda and the region. Consistently ranked in Band 1 by Chambers and Partners, Tier 1 by IFLR1000 and as a Leading Firm by Legal 500, the firm holds stellar credentials in Banking and Finance, Dispute Resolution, Governance, Compliance and Investigations, Technology, Media and Telecoms, Mergers and Acquisitions, Real and Intellectual Property, Infrastructure and Oil and Gas.

Website: www.afmpanga.com 

About Daystar University, Nairobi Campus:

Daystar University is a Christ-centred non-denominational institution of higher learning which exists to equip Christian servant leaders for the transformation of church and society. The University seeks to develop managers, professionals, researchers and scholars to be effective, Christian servant-leaders through the integration of Christian faith and holistic learning for the transformation of church and society in Africa and the world. It combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research.

About Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala Campus:

The Islamic University in Uganda engages in teaching, research and knowledge transfer; and it strives to be among the best universities in Africa. It aims to serve as an academic institution, based on Islamic values, that creates knowledge and trains learners to fulfil society’s needs.

Website: www.iuiu.ac.ug