Data protection law in Uganda: registration and research permits
What a survey team needs to know about personal data and survey authorization in Uganda.
Summary for planning; confirm requirements with the regulator before fieldwork.
operational regulator
Data protection law
Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019 (2019)
Registration
registration of data controllers and processors required
Survey permits
National statistics office
Note
UNCST (Uganda National Council for Science and Technology) registration is a separate requirement for all research.
Uganda research rules: common questions
Is there a data protection law in Uganda?
Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019 (2019).
Who regulates personal data in Uganda?
Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO).
Do I need to register to collect personal data in Uganda?
Registration of data controllers and processors required.
Do I need a permit to run a survey in Uganda?
UBOS clearance required under the Uganda Bureau of Statistics Act 1998; research also requires UNCST registration.
Sources: the regulator and statistics office pages linked above, retrieved 10 Oct 2026. See our methods.