Member Institutions
LAW DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (LDC)
The Law Development Centre (LDC) was established in 1970 by the Law Development Centre Act, as a government-owned institution of higher learning responsible for "research, law reform, publications, and law reporting and community legal services".
LDC is managed by the Management Committee which is responsible for policy formulation. The policies formulated by the Management Committee are implemented by the Director through various institutional departments.
TAX APPEALS TRIBUNAL (TAT)
The Tribunal was set up by an Act of Parliament as a specialized court to provide the taxpayer with easily accessible, efficient, and independent arbitration in tax disputes with URA.
This is part of Government efforts to provide a conducive environment for doing business in Uganda so that investors can develop confidence in the economy. TAT therefore enhances taxpayer compliance and smoothens revenue collection in the long run.
UGANDA LAW SOCIETY (ULS)
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) is an association of lawyers charged with ensuring high levels of professionalism among lawyers in Uganda. The Uganda Law Society was formed by an Act of 1956. The ULS is governed by an executive council with representatives from each of the four regions of Uganda.
The mission of ULS is to improve the professional standards of members of the legal profession, and to promote Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Uganda by assisting the Government and the Judiciary in the administration and practice of law for the benefit of the people of Uganda.
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LOCAL COUNCIL COURTS)
The mandate of the Ministry is to guide, harmonize, mentor, and advocate for all local governments in support of the overall vision of Government to bring about socio-economic transformation of the country.
The objective of the Local Council Courts(LCD) is to provide necessary support to Local Councils for efficient and effective local governance.
Functions of the LCD include:
- Designing and developing training and sensitization programs for Local Councils.
- Ensuring that vacant posts in the hierarchy of Local Councils are filled, in liaison with the Electoral Commission.
- Processing and advising local governments on ordinances and bye-laws, in liaison with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
- Assessing and monitoring the relationship between elected and appointed officials in Local Governments.
- Carrying out technical studies on alteration of boundaries of Local Government units as they arise.
MINISTRY OF GENDER, LABOUR AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (JUVENILE JUSTICE)
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, in collaboration with other stakeholders, is the leading and coordinating agency for community empowerment, protection, and promotion of the rights and obligations of specified vulnerable groups for social protection and gender-responsive development.
The Ministry is under the political leadership of the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, supported by four State Ministers responsible for:
- Gender and Culture
- Elderly and Disability Affairs
- Youth and Children's Affairs
- Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations
DIRECTORATE OF CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL (DCIC)
The services offered by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) include the issuance of various travel and identification documents.
The services offered by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) include the issuance of the following:
- Ugandan Passports
- Special Passes
- Entry Permits (Work Permits)
- Dependents Passes
- Pupils Passes
- Certificates of Residence
- Granting of Citizenship
- Visas
NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION AUTHORITY (NIRA)
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is mandated by the Registration of Persons Act 2015 to carry out various functions.
Vision 2040 reiterates Uganda’s desire to have world-class infrastructure, services, and modern technology to improve productivity and production. Against this background, NIRA’s core services include:
- National Identification
- Alien Identification and Registration Services (Yet to commence)
- Birth Registration
- Death Registration
- Adoption Orders Registration and Certification
- Replacement of Lost, Damaged, or Defaced IDs
- Change of Particulars on National IDs
- Confirmation of Information in the Register
- Access and Use of Information in the Register
UGANDA REGISTRATION SERVICES BUREAU (URSB)
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is an autonomous statutory body established by Chapter 210 Laws of Uganda in 1998.
The Bureau was created to take over the functions of the Registrar General’s Office under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The Act came into force on August 16, 2004, and self-accounting status was granted in July 2010. The Bureau is governed by the Board of Directors, and the Chief Executive Officer is the Registrar General.
Section 4(2) of the URSB Act stipulates that the Bureau shall, for the purpose of achieving its objectives, have the following functions:
- Carry out all registrations required under the relevant laws.
- Maintain registers, data, and records on registrations and act as a clearing house for related information.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of relevant laws and advise the Government accordingly.
- Conduct research and disseminate findings through seminars, workshops, and publications.
- Charge fees for services performed by the Bureau.
- Perform any other functions incidental to the Bureau’s objectives as directed by the Minister.
- Act as an agent of the Uganda Revenue Authority in collecting stamp duty under the Stamps Act.
JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION (JSC)
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is responsible for recruiting competent Judicial Officers and conducting civic education targeting the entire public.
In addition, the Commission researches the justice system, supervises, monitors, and inspects justice dispensation in Uganda.
UGANDA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (UHRC)
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) was established under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. The decision to establish a permanent body to monitor the human rights situation in the country was in recognition of Uganda’s violent and turbulent history that had been characterized by arbitrary arrests, detention without trial, torture, and brutal repression with impunity on the part of security organs during the pre and post-independence era.
Article 52 (1) of the Uganda 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 recommendations;
- To establish a continuing programme of research, education and information to enhance respect of human rights;
- To recommend to Parliament effective measures to promote human rights including provision of compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or their families;
- To create and sustain within society the awareness of the provisions of the Constitution as the fundamental law of the people of Uganda;
- To educate and encourage the public to defend this Constitution at all times against all forms of abuse and violation;
- To formulate, implement, and oversee programmes intended to inculcate in the citizens of Uganda awareness of their civic responsibilities and an appreciation of their rights and obligations as free people;
- To monitor the Government’s compliance with international treaty and convention obligations on human rights; and
- To perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
Article 52 (2) also requires the Commission to publish periodic reports and submit annual reports to Parliament on the state of human rights and freedoms in the country. Articles 52(3) and 48(1) also provide for other functions, powers, and guidelines of the Commission.
TAX APPEALS TRIBUNAL (TAT)
The Tribunal was set up by an Act of Parliament as a specialized court to provide the taxpayer with easily accessible, efficient, and independent arbitration in tax disputes with URA.
This is part of Government efforts to provide a conducive environment for doing business in Uganda so that investors can develop confidence in the economy. TAT therefore enhances taxpayer compliance and smoothens revenue collection in the long run.
UGANDA LAW SOCIETY (ULS)
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) is an association of lawyers charged with ensuring high levels of professionalism among lawyers in Uganda.
The Uganda Law Society was formed by an Act of 1956. The ULS is governed by an executive council with representatives from each of the four regions of Uganda.
The mission of ULS is to improve the professional standards of members of the legal profession, and to promote Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Uganda by assisting the Government and the Judiciary in the administration and practice of law for the benefit of the people of Uganda.
UGANDA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (UHRC)
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) was established under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda to monitor human rights in the country.
The decision to establish a permanent body to monitor the human rights situation in the country was in recognition of Uganda’s violent and turbulent history that had been characterized by arbitrary arrests, detention without trial, torture and brutal repression with impunity on the part of security organs during the pre and post-independence era.
Article 52 (1) of the Uganda 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 recommendations;
- To establish a continuing programme of research, education and information to enhance respect of human rights;
- To recommend to Parliament effective measures to promote human rights including provision of compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or their families;
- To create and sustain within society the awareness of the provisions of the Constitution as the fundamental law of the people of Uganda;
- To educate and encourage the public to defend this Constitution at all times against all forms of abuse and violation;
- To formulate, implement, and oversee programmes intended to inculcate in the citizens of Uganda awareness of their civic responsibilities and an appreciation of their rights and obligations as free people;
- To monitor the Government’s compliance with international treaty and convention obligations on human rights; and
- To perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
Article 52 (2) also requires the Commission to publish periodic reports and submit annual reports to Parliament on the state of human rights and freedoms in the country.
Articles 52(3) and 48(1) also provide for other functions, powers and guidelines of the Commission.
UGANDA PRISONS SERVICE (UPS)
Ensuring a safe secure and humane custody and effective rehabilitation of offenders is the core objective of the Uganda Prisons Services.
It requires the Prisons Service to rehabilitate and re-integrate offenders; administer court imposed sentences; ensure security of offenders. While in custody, the Uganda Prisons Service also protects and respects the other rights of offenders and ensuring that they attend trial and that they are adequately taken care of.
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS (ODPP)
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) provides legal advice relating to the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases.
It therefore coordinates and manages prosecution of criminal cases by examining criminal cases before they are registered in court and during prosecutions in court.
UGANDA POLICE FORCE (UPF)
The Police services aims to secure life and property in partnership with public in a committed and professional manner in order to promote development.
This is achieved by protecting life, property and other rights of the individual and maintaining security, public safety and order, as well as in prevention and detection of crime.
MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (MIA)
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has multiple roles to play that include; regulation and facilitation of exit and entry of all nationals.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has multiple roles to play that include; regulation and facilitation of exit and entry of all nationals, provision of an efficient and effective system for processing and managing immigration documents and issuance of work permits to relevant immigrants. It is therefore charged with registering, controlling, and regulating the movements of Ugandans and foreign nationals who enter, stay in, or leave Uganda.
Through peace building initiatives, the Ministry also grants amnesty, resettles, and reintegrates reporters in their communities.
The Uganda National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NFP), a unit within the Ministry, is responsible for coordinating all activities geared towards controlling the proliferation of SALW within the country and at regional levels.
The Government Analytical Laboratory provides specialized analytical and advisory services to government departments responsible for the administration of Justice, statutory bodies, as well as researchers and the private sector.
It also oversees the introduction of community service as an alternative sentence under the criminal justice system and spearheads awareness of this initiative among the general public.
JUDICIARY
The Courts of Judicature (Judiciary) is comprised of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, and Subordinate courts.
The Courts of Judicature (Judiciary) is comprised of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, and Subordinate courts including Qadhis courts. They administer justice by resolving disputes between individuals, and between the state and individuals while also interpreting the Constitution and the Laws of Uganda.
Through this, the Judiciary is able to promote the rule of law, contribute to the maintenance of order in society, safeguard the Constitution, and uphold democratic principles while protecting the human rights of individuals and groups.
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS (MOJCA)
The Ministry is responsible for upholding the rule of law, driving forward the legal and justice system.
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MOJCA) is responsible for upholding the rule of law, driving forward the legal and justice system, and reforming and safeguarding the Constitution so that it serves the public effectively.
It facilitates effective and efficient machinery capable of providing a legal framework for good governance and delivering legal advice and services to Government, its allied institutions and the public specifically through:
a) Coordinating, advising on, providing support and developing working modules for the formulation and implementation of policies, which will foster the effective administration of law and justice as well as constitutional governance;
b) Facilitating the development and enactment of appropriate legislation;
c) Initiating and facilitating the revision and reform of the laws of Uganda and providing an effective mechanism for their change;
c) Advising the government and its allied institutions on all legal matters;
d) Drafting all proposed laws and legal documents;
e) Instituting or defending civil suits in which Government and/or its allied institutions are party and ensuring that court decisions are satisfied;
f) Overseeing the training of Lawyers;
g) Promoting and fostering adherence to the rule of law and natural justice;
h) Controlling legal practice in the country;
i) Disseminating legal information to the public;
j) Liaising and working with institutions which seek to eradicate corruption; and
k) Promoting legal advice of the Constitution.