Section
law
Recent law coverage and related updates from across Uganda Online.
law 27 March 2026
Uganda's Parliament has approved the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2026, raising financial jurisdiction for magistrates to handle more civil cases and ease High Court backlogs. The reforms also enhance sentencing powers, abolish outdated positions, and allow case transfers to speed up justice delivery. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4324/new-law-increase-magistrates-financial-jurisdiction
Politics 27 March 2026
The Ugandan government has instructed prosecutors and police to stop arrests and prosecutions under specific provisions of the Computer Misuse Act ruled unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court. Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka emphasized terminating ongoing cases while upholding existing convictions. Source: https://observer.ug/news/govt-concedes-defeat-halts-enforcement-of-nullified-computer-misuse-act-provisions
Technology 25 March 2026
Uganda's judiciary is set to go fully paperless by July 1, 2026, adopting digital platforms like ECCMIS and AI tools to streamline court processes, reduce corruption, and enhance access to justice. Officials emphasize training and support for users amid the tech-driven overhaul. Source: https://observer.ug/news/judiciary-goes-paperless-rolls-out-ai-systems
Politics 23 March 2026
Uganda's Attorney General has recommended keeping flexible regulations for private analytical labs in the Forensic and Scientific Analytical Services Bill, 2025, despite MPs' worries about evidence integrity and overlaps. Government insists licensing by the Ministry of Internal Affairs ensures independence without mandating international standards. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4306/attorney-general-advises-against-strict-restrictions-analytical-labs
Politics 23 March 2026
Parliament approved the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on March 17, 2026, sparking joy among creatives in the public gallery. The law promises better royalties, stricter penalties for infringement, and protections aligned with international treaties. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4304/smiles-creatives-mps-pass-copyright-law
Politics 23 March 2026
Legislators in Uganda's Parliament are divided over the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to ensure producers and performers receive extra payments when their works are used in broadcasting and public performances. While supporters highlight better protection for creatives, critics worry about the financial burden on radio and TV stations. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4300/mps-divided-over-proposal-increase-artistes-earnings
Politics 22 March 2026
Uganda's Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Police Force have flagged issues with the Forensic and Scientific Analytical Services Bill, 2025, citing risks of institutional overlaps and delays in criminal justice. They argue it duplicates existing laws and undermines specialized agency functions. Source: https://observer.ug/news/dpp-police-raise-concerns-over-proposed-forensic-law
Politics 22 March 2026
The Uganda Law Society has filed a lawsuit against the government, accusing security forces of unlawfully besieging opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi's residence in Magere with armed personnel and drone surveillance. The petition demands immediate withdrawal of troops, an end to restrictions, and accountability for rights violations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-sued-over-continued-siege-on-bobi-s-home-5399346
opinion 21 March 2026
A passionate op-ed warns against government plans to abolish or dilute the Law Development Centre (LDC), arguing it serves as a vital crucible for forging competent advocates with uniform standards. The author shares personal anecdotes to highlight LDC's rigorous value, cautioning that handing training to universities risks undermining the legal profession's integrity. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/want-to-abolish-ldc-o-foolish-ugandans-who-hath-bewitched-you--5397218
Politics 19 March 2026
With the 2026 elections concluded, dissatisfied candidates are preparing to challenge results in court, placing the Judiciary under scrutiny to deliver fair and consistent electoral justice amid past criticisms. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/beyond-the-ballot-uganda-s-judiciary-as-final-arbiter-5397164
Politics 19 March 2026
Uganda's Attorney General has advised against rigid restrictions on private analytical labs in the proposed Forensic and Scientific Analytical Services Bill, 2025, favoring a licensing system under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Government presented this stance to Parliament amid worries over evidence integrity and regulatory overlaps. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4306/attorney-general-advises-against-strict-restrictions-analytical-labs
Sports 19 March 2026
Experts at a recent ADR convention praised Uganda's new National Sports Act for mandating arbitration in sports disputes, moving away from overburdened courts, but highlighted gaps like narrow dispute definitions and lack of administrative support. Panelists called for better capacity building, clearer funding mechanisms, and alignment with international arbitration bodies like CAS. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/uganda-right-on-choosing-sports-arbitration-needs-better-systems-5396962
news 19 March 2026
The Uganda Law Society has voiced strong support for the Nigerian Bar Association after a judge in Abuja ordered a lawyer to kneel during a court session. ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde labeled the act as judicial overreach that humiliates the legal profession and undermines the rule of law. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-law-society-slams-nigerian-judge-for-ordering-lawyer-to-kneel-in-courtroom-5396536
Entertainment News 18 March 2026
Uganda's Constitutional Court has nullified the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022, due to procedural irregularities in Parliament, sparking celebrations among TikTokers and influencers who viewed it as a curb on free speech. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/entertainment/42658/tiktokers-celebrate-as-court-nullifies-computer-misuse-act
law 17 March 2026
Uganda's Constitutional Court has struck down the controversial Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022, declaring it null and void due to procedural flaws in its passage. The decision is set to collapse ongoing cases and bolster online expression rights. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/all-smiles-as-court-strikes-down-computer-misuse-act-5394748
news 17 March 2026
Uganda's Constitutional Court has nullified 10 provisions of the 2022 Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, deeming them vague, overly broad, and unconstitutional violations of free expression and access to information rights. The ruling also highlighted procedural flaws in the law's passage, including lack of quorum and inadequate public participation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/freedom-of-speech-wins-5393654
news 17 March 2026
Uganda's Court of Appeal has suspended the murder and robbery convictions of two civilians tried by the General Court Martial, due to constitutional flaws in jurisdiction. The court ordered their case for review or retrial in a civilian court while they remain incarcerated. Source: https://observer.ug/news/court-of-appeal-suspends-murder-convictions-of-civilians-tried-by-army-court
Politics 13 March 2026
Legislators in Uganda's Parliament showed divided opinions during the second reading of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks extra payments for producers and performers when their works are used commercially in broadcasts and public shows. While the Justice Minister Norbert Mao backed it as vital for protecting creative works, some MPs worried about the burden on radio and TV stations. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4300/mps-divided-over-proposal-increase-artistes-earnings
news 13 March 2026
Uganda's High Court has affirmed that judges can restrict live audio and video coverage of trials to protect fair hearings. The decision dismissed a challenge by journalist Livingstone Matovu against a magistrate's directive in a city pastor's case. Source: https://observer.ug/news/high-court-backs-restrictions-on-live-media-coverage-of-court-proceedings
Politics 12 March 2026
A Kampala lawyer is calling on Parliament to update Uganda's Parliamentary Elections Act with explicit guidelines on handling vote recount disputes involving potential tampering. He highlighted issues from a recent Hoima court case where a recount was halted over ballot irregularities. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lawyer-calls-for-clear-law-on-vote-recount-5389466