Desire Luzinda performs at a previous function i

Desire Luzinda performs at a previous function in Kampala recently. Photo by Dominic Bukenya.

By Andrew Bagala, Arafat Ndugga & Abdu Wasike

IN SUMMARY

The debate. Nude photos said to be of Ms Luzinda have since Friday been circulating on social media, which has ignited debate questioning the legality or illegality of such action of publishing material.

Kampala- Police have said they will help Desire Luzinda to investigate circumstances under which nude photographs, said to be hers leaked on social media last week.

Speaking to Daily Monitor yesterday, KampalaMetropolitan Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, said exposing photographs of a person that injuries his or her right to privacy is an offence.

However, he said they would only investigate if Ms Luzinda or those offended lodge a complaint with police.

“If Luzinda or others offended by the photographs come to us and report, we shall investigate the case because it is criminal to publish nude photographs on social media inUganda,” Mr Onyango said yesterday.

Last Friday, pictures allegedly of Ms Luzinda were published on social media but questions remain as to how such publications could be stopped or prevented.

It is alleged the pictures were leaked following a disagreement between Ms Luzinda and her jilted lover.

However, Daily Monitor could not independently verify the source of the photos and whether it was Ms Luzinda’s lover who leaked them.

People who publish nude photos, according to Mr Onyango, can be charged with trafficking in pornography or offensive communication under the Computer Misuse Act.

Section 8 of the Computer Misuse Act says: “Any person who wilfully and repeatedly uses electronic communication to disturb or attempts to disturb the peace, quiet or right of privacy of any person with no purpose of legitimate communication whether or not a conversation ensues commits a misdemeanor and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 24 currency points or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both”.

Similarly Section 13 of the Anti-pornography Act, makes it illegal for a person to produce, traffic, publish any form of pornography and on conviction is liable to a fine of Shs10m or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.

It is not the first time nude photos have found their way into the public, with female ‘celebrities’ being the top target.

When contacted on her Whatsapp number, Ms Luzinda appreciated police effort, saying, “Let them go ahead, it will do me good.” But did not indicate whether she would file a complaint or not.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com