Article 52 (1) of the 1995 Constitution lays down the following functions of the Commission:-

To investigate , at its own initiative or on a complaint made by any person or group of persons against the violation of any human right.

To visit jails, prisons, and places of detention or related facilities with a view of assessing and inspecting conditions of the inmates and make recommendati

Children have the right to give evidence in courts of law. Our criminal laws are specifically concerned with children of tender years who are 14 years and below.
When a child is presented to give evidence in court, court has to establish whether the child understands the duty of telling the truth and has the necessary intelligence to remember and recollect facts. This procedure is termed as

In many instances, clients approach lawyers wanting to institute suits without understanding what the process entails. The foundation of every civil lawsuit starts with a defined injury or loss which constitute a cause of action.

A cause of action is a fact or combination of facts that give(s) a person the right to seek judicial redress or relief against another person; and the elements belo

All persons with legal capacity can sue and be sued. Legal capacity refers to the right or ability under the law to be able to engage in a particular undertaking. Legal capacity is generally determined by age and mental status. Therefore a person intending to sue should be an adult (18 years and above); and of sound mind. The law may also prescribe other circumstances under which a person may sue

There have been controversies in clearly defining matrimonial property in Uganda's context but there have been attempts to outline what it constitutes.

In the case of Muwanga v Kintu (1997), Bbosa J noted that matrimonial property is understood differently by different people, but the property to which each spouse should be entitled is that property which the parties chose to call home and wh

There is a legal requirement under S.39 of the Land Act for spousal consent to be obtained before any dealings in matrimonial property. This is because the law guarantees the spouse a right to have access to, and live on family land hence the spouse has a right to give or withhold his or her consent to any such transaction.

Therefore any sell, exchange, mortgage, lease or transfer of family l

Lately, many nations have been bombarded by the rising cases of corruption. This vice has hindered lots of progress with public funds swindled and channeled away from their intended use to satisfy people’s selfish interests.

Notably, it is the persons positions of authority who are put to task with corruption mainly monitored at higher levels; and we forget the role that the "common pe

During this period where many businesses and places of worship have closed down, many couples have found the need to have their weddings celebrated in unlicensed places.

The safest way to celebrate such weddings however, is to obtain special licenses, they should in addition to the usual requirements, prove to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs that there is no lawful impedim

The abrupt onset of COVID-19 greatly affected the ability of people to perform contracts. It is a general rule under contract law that where a party fails to perform his or her contractual obligations, he or she has committed a breach of contract that gives rise to liability under the contract. It is therefore key for parties to contracts to identify how to manage contracts during this period. Be

During the COVID-19 crisis, many people have found themselves stuck in foreign countries, with with some having property in their home countries needing management, others need to enter into and perform contracts; and many of these activities require the people involved on ground.

However, this can be resolved by making use of Powers of Attorney (POAs) through which one can appoint another f

In recent times, the late singer Paul Kafeero's family has been shown in the news. They want to dig up his grave and to access his body due to wrangles relating to paternity disputes. See: https://bit.ly/2PA5Qbv

It is illegal to dig up graves without permission. It is a criminal offence called "disturbing the peace of the dead"; and can attract a criminal penalty.

Other acts that may am

There has been a prevalent practice of men bestowing matrimonial property to their heirs in their Wills without the consent of their spouses. The High Court’s Family Division on 3rd July, 2020 outlawed this practice. See: https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/No-property-heirs-spouse-consent-court-rules-Kolya/688334-5588152-13x8214z/index.html for more details.

The judgment stems fro

The rule of law is the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to the law. No one is above the law.

To this end, Uganda has distinct laws to regulate the use of force and firearms by law enforcers. Nothing in the law justifies the use of greater force than is reasonable or necessary.

However, before and during this COVID-19 period; there have been so man

The right to food has not been properly recognized under Uganda's legal framework. There are some provisions in the National Objectives and Directives of State Policy for the right; but even the Bill of Rights in the Constitution is silent on the same.

At the policy level, we have the Food and Nutrition Policy of 2003, of which its implementation is lacking. The institutional and legal frame

On 11th June 2020, we discussed the effects of COVID-19 on contracts of employment. See: https://websocial.laspnet.org/index.php?u=/topic/66/the-effects-of-covid-19-on-the-contracts-of-employment

Instances of employees being laid off, sent on forced leave and terminated unfairly continue to rise during the crisis. Employees engaged under oral/informal contracts of employment are suffering the

The landlords have taken advantage of the current Corona virus pandemic where many government offices are not normally functioning, to evict the "kibanja" owners/siting tenants from the land.

Many sitting tenants like in the past have lost their land which is their only means of livelihood.

The unscrupulous landlords are so smart in that at times their evictions are well planned and go

In execution of its duty to facilitate the exercise of the right to vote despite the limitations posed by the Covid-19 Pandemic; the Electoral Commission recently released a revised 2020/21 election roadmap (see https://thepubliclensug.com/2020/06/16/no-mass-rallies-ec-unveils-revised-roadmap-for-2021-general-elections/).

The said roadmap shortens the electoral campaign duration and prohibit

On the 10th of june 2020, a landlord from masaka set his tenant on fire inside his rented house because of non payment of rent.


some landlords have violently resorted to removing their roof tops leaving the properties of their clients at the risk of being stolen or damaged by rain.


3 Others have threaten to forcefully evict. their tenants.

While in the business city centre of Kam

The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda entitles every person to a right to personal liberty. However, this right can be suspended if authorized under the law.

An arrest is an act that involves using legal authority to deprive a person of his or her liberty. It may be done for different reasons. An arrested person is usually referred to as a suspect/detainee.

An arrest is initiated to

Article 41 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides for the right of access to information for every citizen of Uganda except where its release is prejudicial to State security or sovereignty; or to another person's right to privacy.

Do you think COVID-19 has in any way limited the enjoyment of this right? Kindly share with us your views and recommendations on this matter.