Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) (“we”, “us”, or “our”) operates Pulida Wo, a platform that helps members of the public connect with advocates, access legal information, and coordinate legal matters. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information when you use:

• The Pulida Wo mobile application (iOS and Android)
• The Pulida Wo web application at app.pulidawo.com
• USSD services associated with Pulida Wo
• This website at pulidawo.com

By using Pulida Wo, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the platform.

2. Data controller

The data controller for Pulida Wo is:

Uganda Law Society
Plot 37, Yusuf Lule Road, Kampala, Uganda
Email: support@pulidawo.com

3. Information we collect

3.1 Information you provide

• Account information: name, email address, phone number, profile photo, and authentication credentials when you register or sign in (including via Google or other identity providers).
• Case and intake information: descriptions of legal matters, locations, documents you upload, and communications related to your request.
• Advocate profile information: professional details, availability, practice areas, and caseload information.
• Staff and administrative data: role assignments, audit logs, and operational notes for authorised personnel.

3.2 Information collected automatically

• Device and usage data: device type, operating system, app version, IP address, and general usage patterns.
• Location data: approximate or precise location when you grant permission, used to match clients with nearby advocates.
• Log and diagnostic data: error reports, performance data, and security events.

3.3 USSD interactions

When you use USSD services, we may collect your mobile number, session identifiers, menu selections, and timestamps to deliver the service and maintain audit records.

4. How we use your information

We use personal information to:

• Provide, operate, and improve Pulida Wo
• Match clients with advocates based on location, availability, and case type
• Authenticate users and enforce role-based access controls
• Send notifications about case updates, documents, and platform activity
• Publish and deliver legal self-help content
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security incidents
• Comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests
• Analyse aggregated usage to improve services (without identifying individuals where possible)

5. Legal basis for processing

We process personal data where:

• Processing is necessary to perform our contract with you (providing the platform)
• You have given consent (e.g. location permissions, marketing communications where applicable)
• Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (security, service improvement, fraud prevention)
• Processing is required by law

6. How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data with:

• Advocates and clients involved in the same matter, as required to coordinate a case
• Authorised ULS staff who administer the platform
• Service providers that help us operate Pulida Wo, including:
  • Google Firebase (authentication, database, cloud storage, cloud functions, app check)
  • Cloud infrastructure and analytics providers under contract
• Law enforcement or regulators when required by applicable law or to protect rights and safety

All service providers are required to handle data consistent with this policy and applicable law.

7. Data retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide services, meet legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Case-related data may be retained in accordance with ULS record-keeping policies and applicable professional regulations. When data is no longer needed, we delete or anonymise it where feasible.

8. Security

We implement technical and organisational measures appropriate to the sensitivity of the data, including encryption in transit, access controls, role-based permissions, and Firebase security rules. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Your rights

Subject to applicable law (including Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019), you may have the right to:

• Access personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data where legally permitted
• Object to or restrict certain processing
• Withdraw consent where processing is consent-based
• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@pulidawo.com. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

10. Children’s privacy

Pulida Wo is not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us data, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.

11. International transfers

Your data may be processed on servers operated by our service providers, including facilities outside Uganda. Where required, we implement appropriate safeguards for cross-border transfers.

12. Third-party links

Pulida Wo may link to external resources (such as ULS ELAC at elac.uls.or.ug). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised policy on this page and update the “Last updated” date. Material changes may be communicated through the app or by email where appropriate.

14. Contact

Questions about this Privacy Policy:

Uganda Law Society
Email: support@pulidawo.com
Phone: +256 414 342 028