The Proposed Computer Laws of Uganda: Moving Toward SecureE-Commerce Transactions and Cyber-Crime Control
Stephen Errol Blythe · Journal of Management Policy and Practice · 2010
Uganda drafted three proposed computer laws in 2004 which remain under consideration: The Electronic Signature Bill (“ESB”) would provide for legal recognition of electronic signatures (“Esignatures”). Although all types of E-signatures are recognized, the digital signature enjoys most-favored status because it utilizes cryptographic methods. All Certification Authorities (“CA”) are required to hold a license issued by the Controller of CA’s and their computer system must be trustworthy. The Electronic Transactions Bill (“ETB”) would provide a legal foundation for E-commerce transactions. The electronic form may be used to satisfy a statutory requirement for: a writing; a handwritten signature; an original document; retention of a paper document; and a notarized paper document. The Computer Misuse Bill (“CMB”) would prohibit several types of computer crimes: unauthorized access; modification of contents; unauthorized use or interception of computer service; unauthorized obstruction of use of computer; unauthorized disclosure of access code; breach of confidentiality obligation; enhanced punishment pertinent to national security, using a computer to disseminate child pornography; and attempts and abetments. The objectives of this article are to: (1) explain the roles of electronic signatures, cryptology, public key infrastructure, and certification authorities; (2) cover the three generations of electronic signature law; (3) analyze Uganda’s proposed computer laws: Electronic Signature Bill (“ESB”), Electronic Transactions Bill (“ETB”), and Computer Misuse Bill (“CMB”); and (4) make recommendations for improvement of those bills.