By Wamala Sipirian
Published: September 30, 2026
Political activist and human rights defender Praise Aloikin Opoloje has been remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala over allegations that she used a SIM card registered in another person’s name.
Opoloje appeared before Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko on September 28, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to one count of using another person’s SIM card, contrary to Regulation 29 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations, 2024.
According to the charge sheet, prosecutors allege that during September 2026, in Kampala’s Rubaga and Kampala Central divisions, Opoloje unlawfully used an MTN SIM card registered in the name of Martha Nalapa Tasima for the purpose of executing an illegal activity.
The prosecution told court that investigations were still ongoing. Opoloje was represented by lawyer Kakuru Tumusiime, while state prosecutor Allan Mucunguzi appeared for the prosecution.
The court adjourned the matter to October 14, 2026, when Opoloje’s lawyers are expected to pursue her bail application. She was subsequently remanded to Luzira Prison.
Discrepancy over initial police allegation
Before Opoloje appeared in court, Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said she would face an allegation of broadcasting without a licence.
“Apoloje Praise, who was arrested last week on allegations of broadcasting without a license, will also appear this afternoon before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Buganda Road,” Owoyesigyire said in a notice to journalists.
However, the formal charge presented before court was the alleged unlawful use of another person’s SIM card. The police statement and the court charge therefore differed, and police had not initially explained the discrepancy.
Reports surrounding Opoloje’s arrest said she was taken from Namungoona Police Station after going there in connection with a dispute involving a carpet. Fellow activist Agather Atuhaire alleged that officers told Opoloje military intelligence personnel were looking for her over remarks concerning Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The formal charge sheet, however, does not itself identify the alleged remarks or the video as a separate offence.
Court reporting has linked the case to investigations into social media activity allegedly associated with Opoloje. New Vision reported that prosecution allegations concern social media material involving Gen Muhoozi, while the Observer reported that investigators allegedly traced the material to a SIM card registered in another person’s name.
Opoloje, a lawyer and civil liberties activist, received the European Union Human Rights Defenders Award in 2025 for her work relating to civil liberties, accountability and social justice.
She remains presumed innocent unless and until the allegations against her are proved in court.