Data Protection & Privacy Policy

Marriage Match E.A. (“we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal data entrusted to us by our members, partners, and website visitors. MMEA recognises that trust is the foundation of meaningful matchmaking, and that data security is essential to protecting client dignity, privacy, and confidence in our services. This Data Protection & Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect personal data in accordance with the Uganda Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, its Regulations, and other applicable laws and best practice.

This policy aims to:

• Safeguard personal data collected and processed by Marriage Match E.A.;
• Promote transparency and accountability in how personal data is handled;
• Ensure compliance with applicable data protection and privacy laws;
• Build trust with members by respecting dignity, privacy, and informed consent.

This policy applies to:

• All members registered on the Marriage Match EA platform;
• Prospective members and website visitors;
• Employees, consultants, matchmakers, and contractors;
• Third parties engaged by Marriage Match EA who process personal data on our behalf.

Marriage Match EA processes personal data in accordance with the principles set out under the Uganda Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019:

1. Lawfulness and Fairness – Personal data is collected and processed lawfully and fairly.
2. Transparency – Data subjects are informed about how their data is collected and used.
3. Purpose Limitation – Data is collected for explicit, specified, and legitimate purposes.
4. Data Minimisation – Only data that is adequate, relevant, and not excessive is collected – see section 5 below.
5. Accuracy – Reasonable steps are taken to ensure data is accurate and up to date.
6. Storage Limitation – Data is retained only for as long as is necessary. For members who confirm finding a match, data will be stored for another six months. For those that are yet to get matches, data will be stored for 24 months.
7. Security Safeguards – Appropriate technical and organisational measures are implemented to protect personal data.
8. Accountability – Marriage Match EA is responsible for compliance and able to demonstrate it.

We may collect and process the following categories of data:

In line with the Uganda Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, Marriage Match EA processes personal data on the following lawful bases:

• Consent of the data subject;
• Performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party;
• Compliance with a legal obligation;
• Legitimate interests pursued by Marriage Match EA, provided such interests do not override the rights and freedoms of the data subject.

Where special personal data (including religious beliefs or marital history) is processed, explicit consent is obtained as required by law.

Personal data is used to:

• Verify member identity and eligibility;
• Provide personalised matchmaking services;
• Facilitate safe and meaningful introductions;
• Communicate with members regarding services and updates;
• Improve platform functionality and user experience;
• Prevent fraud, abuse, and misuse of the platform;
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

Marriage Match EA does not sell or trade personal data.

We may share personal data only:

• With authorised internal staff and matchmakers bound by confidentiality;
• With trusted service providers (e.g., IT, payment processors) under data processing agreements;
• Where required by law or court order;
• With explicit consent of the member (e.g., limited profile sharing with a potential match).

Where personal data is transferred outside Uganda, Marriage Match EA ensures compliance with the Uganda Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 by:

• Ensuring the recipient country has adequate data protection safeguards; or
• Putting in place contractual safeguards approved under applicable law; and
• Obtaining consent from the data subject where required.

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures, including:

• Secure servers and encrypted databases;
• Restricted access controls;
• Password protection and authentication protocols;
• Staff training on confidentiality and data protection;
• Regular system monitoring and updates;
• Staff and Associates sign Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure Statements to further protect confidentiality.

Personal data is retained:

• For the duration of active membership;
• As required to fulfil contractual and legal obligations;
• For a limited period after account closure, unless deletion is legally required sooner.

Data that is no longer necessary is securely deleted or anonymised.

Under the Uganda Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, data subjects have the right to:

• Be informed about the collection and use of their personal data;
• Access their personal data held by Marriage Match EA;
• Request correction or deletion of inaccurate or unlawfully processed data;
• Withdraw consent at any time;
• Object to the processing of their personal data;
• Restrict processing in certain circumstances;
• Lodge a complaint with the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) under the National Information Technology Authority - Uganda (NITA-U).

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In the event of a data breach that poses a risk to individuals' rights and freedoms, Marriage Match EA will:

• Take immediate steps to contain and investigate the breach;
• Notify affected individuals and relevant authorities where required;
• Implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.

We maintain internal procedures for handling data breaches.

• Management is responsible for policy oversight and compliance.
• Staff and Matchmakers must adhere strictly to confidentiality and data protection obligations.
• Third Parties must comply with agreed data protection standards.

This policy is reviewed periodically and may be updated to reflect legal, operational, or technological changes. Members will be notified of significant updates.

In accordance with the Uganda Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, Marriage Match EA has designated a responsible officer for data protection matters.

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your data protection rights, please contact: