A law student undertaking her clerkship at Gulu High Court has been charged and remanded to prison after allegedly photographing and sharing information from a court criminal register without authorisation.
Gloria Grace Laker, an intern student pursuing a Diploma in Law at the Law Development Centre (LDC), appeared before Grade One Magistrate Mirriam Amoro on Friday, facing charges under the Computer Misuse Act and sharing information without authorisation.
According to court records, the incident occurred between March 6 and 9, 2026, while Laker was serving her clerkship attachment at Gulu High Court. The information she allegedly shared on social media reportedly revealed that National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is facing charges of making false statements — an offence under Section 25(9) of the Penal Code Act.
Laker pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her lawyers, however, raised concerns about the manner in which their client was handled, with one of her advocates, Mr Henry Komakech Kilama, telling court that Laker had been photographed and fingerprinted, questioning the motive behind those actions.
Her bail application hit a snag after the presiding magistrate was informed that the State Attorney was occupied with a criminal session at the High Court. She was consequently remanded until March 17, 2026, when her bail hearing is expected to be heard.
The state indicated that investigations are complete and that they are ready to proceed with prosecution.
The case is a stark reminder to law students on internship and clerkship attachments about the legal and ethical boundaries that govern access to court records and information. Sharing confidential court documents or records — even informally on social media — can attract serious criminal liability under Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act.
