"UK firm's surveillance kit 'used to crush Uganda opposition"

A UK-based firm has sold surveillance technology to Uganda which has been used to crush and potentially blackmail opponents of the president...An internal report claims the technology has also been used in other African countries and in Syria...

The BBC has been working with Privacy International, who were leaked a top secret memo and other documents purportedly detailing the use of the technology for the use of internal repression in Uganda. One top secret document was prepared by a senior intelligence official for President Museveni and describes a surveillance programme...[that "can covertly be deployed in buildings, vehicles, computers, mobile phones, cameras and any other equipment deemed worthy for information extraction or surveillance."

In a statement, the company said it was unable to give details of any alleged orders. "Gamma undertakes an absolute obligation of confidentiality to the governments which purchase its products and systems. "Gamma does not assist or encourage any government agency in the misuse of Gamma's products and systems. "These products and systems have been effective in many countries in the course of police and other government agency action against terrorist threats, drug cartels, other major organised crime, and paedophile rings."