MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

The Ministry 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: Instituting or defending civil suits; Legal protection through the registration of Companies, Business enterprises, documents, intellectual property rights, births, deaths, adoptions, marriages and liquidation of business enterprises; Proper administration and management of estates in accordance with the Laws governing succession matters.; General supervision and control over legal practice and professional legal education and legal aid provision in the country.

CLICK HERE to request the MOJCA for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.justice.go.ug

JUDICIARY

The Courts of Judicature 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 sate 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, uphold democratic principles and to protect human rights of individuals and groups.

CLICK HERE to request the Judiciary for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.judiciary.go.ug

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has multiple roles to play that include;

Regulation and facilitation of exit and entry of all nationals, provision of efficient and effective system for processing and management of immigration documents and issuance of work permits to relevant immigrants. It is therefore charged with registering, and controlling and regulating 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 proliferation of SALW within the country and at regional levels.

The Government Analytical Laboratory’s provides specialized analytical and advisory services to government departments responsible for administration of Justice, Statutory Bodies, and researchers and Private Sector

Oversee the introduction of community service as an alternative sentence under the criminal justice system and spearhead its awareness among the general public.

CLICK HERE to request the MIA for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.mia.go.ug

UGANDA POLICE FORCE

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.

CLICK HERE to request the Police for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

GIS Map Locations | Website: www.upf.go.ug

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

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.

CLICK HERE to request the ODPP for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.dpp.go.ug

UGANDA PRISONS SERVICE

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.

CLICK HERE to request the Uganda Prisons for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.prisons.go.ug

UGANDA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

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.

CLICK HERE to request the UHRC for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.uhrc.ug

JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION

The Commission recruits competent Judicial Officers and also carries out civic education targeting the entire public. In addition it researches into the justice system as well as supervises monitors and inspects justice dispensation in Uganda.

CLICK HERE to request the JSC for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.jsc.go.ug

UGANDA REGISTRATION SERVICES BUREAU

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau 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 the 16th of August, 2004 and the 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 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 affected by the bureau and to act as a clearing house for information and data   on those registrations;

Evaluate from time to time the practicability and efficacy of the relevant laws and advise the Government accordingly;

Carry on research and also disseminate research findings in the fields covered by the relevant laws through seminars, workshops, publications or other means and to recommend to the Government any improvements in the relevant laws appearing to the Bureau to be required as a result;

Charge fees for any services performed by the Bureau;

Perform any other function or to carry out such other activity as may be conducive or incidental to the efficient discharge of its objects or as the Minister may, by statutory instrument, direct;

Act as the agent of the Uganda Revenue Authority in the collection of stamp duty under the Stamps Act in respect of any documents or other matter on or in respect of which stamp duty is required to be paid and connected with the functions of the bureau under this Act;

CLICK HERE to request URSB for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.ursb.go.ug

UGANDA LAW REFORM COMMISSION

The Commission constantly studies and reviews the Acts and other laws of Uganda with a view to making recommendations for their systematic improvement, development, modernization through reform and revision. This aims to establish an up to date and adequate legislative environment..

 CLICK HERE to request the ULRC for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

Website: www.ulrc.go.ug

NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION AUTHORITY

The National Identification and Registration Authority is mandated by the Registration of Persons Act 2015 to carry out different functions.  On the other hand, Vision 2040 reiterates Uganda’s desire to have world-class infrastructure and services, and modern technology to improve productivity and production. Against this background, the core services of the National Identification and Registration Authority are:

a) National Identification

b) Alien Identification and registration services (This is yet to commence)

c) Birth Registration

d) Death Registration

e) Adoption Orders registration and certification

f) Replacement of Lost Card, damaged and defaced IDs

g) Change of particulars on NIDs

h) Confirmation of information in the register

i) Access and use of information in the register

WEBSITE: www.nira.go.ug

DIRECTORATE OF CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL

The services offered by the Directorate of citizenship and Immigration department can be summarized as issuance of the following;

• Ugandan Passports 
• Special Passes 
• Entry Permits (Work Permits) 
• Dependents Passes 
• Pupils Passes 
• Certificates of Residence 
• Granting of Citizenship 
• Visas

CLICK HERE to request the DCIC for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.immigration.go.ug

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 the 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, and four State Ministers for Gender and Culture; Elderly and Disability Affairs, Youth and Children's Affairs, and Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations

CLICK HERE to request the MoGLSD for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.moglsd.go.ug

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 department of the Local Council Development (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 programmes for Local Councils; Ensuring that vacant posts in the hierarchy of Local Councils are filled, in liaison with the Electoral Commission; To process and advise 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; To carry out technical studies on alteration of boundaries of Local Government units as they arise.

CLICK HERE to request the MoLG for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.molg.go.ug

 UGANDA LAW SOCIETY

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.

WEBSITE: www.uls.or.org

 TAX APPEALS TRIBUNAL

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 to doing business in Uganda so that investors can develop confidence n the economy. TAT therefore enhances taxpayer compliance and smoothen revenue collection in the long run.

CLICK HERE to request the TAT for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.tat.go.ug

LAW DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

The Law Development Center (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, 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.

CLICK HERE to request the LDC for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

WEBSITE: www.ldc.ac.ug

CENTRE FOR ARBITRATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Check out decisions of the Centre of Arbitration and Dispute Resolution HERE. CLICK HERE to request CADER for information under the Access to Information Act (2005)

Last updated: April 19, 2020