The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued a strong condemnation against what it describes as the persistent and unlawful interference by the Uganda Police Force in peaceful assemblies and demonstrations. In a statement delivered by ULS President Bernard Oundo, the organization highlighted recent incidents that illustrate this troubling trend and called for immediate action to uphold constitutional rights.
“Freedom of assembly and peaceful demonstration are guaranteed fundamental rights of all persons under the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended) and essential tools for building a vibrant, free, and democratic society,” Oundo emphasized. “They, however, remain under sustained attack by the Uganda Police who, as a matter of de facto policy, bar and interfere with the vast majority of civic or political gatherings and demonstrations in the country.”
The statement referenced several specific instances of interference, including the blocking of medical interns on August 2, 2024, who had gathered at the Ministry of Health Headquarters chanting ‘deploy us.’ The interns were seeking intervention in issues concerning their deployment at training facilities.
Additionally, members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga Faction were arrested while marching to the Kenya High Commission to deliver a protest note regarding the detention of their 36 members in Kenya. Journalists covering the event were also reportedly manhandled by police.
“These fundamental rights are essential to every free and democratic society and have been upheld in various decisions by the Constitutional and Supreme Courts of Uganda,” Oundo stated. “As with all fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, these rights are inherent and are not granted or merely permitted by the State or the Police. The Police therefore does not have the authority to question or determine whether a peaceful demonstration is called for or not.”
The ULS also criticized the police’s reliance on provisions of the Public Order Management Act, 2013, which have been deemed unconstitutional by Ugandan courts. “ULS further cautions the Police against its continuous reliance on various provisions of the Public Order Management Act, 2013 that has since been held by the Courts of Law to be unconstitutional, unlawful, null, and void for unreasonably limiting the people’s right to assemble and demonstrate,” Oundo asserted.
In light of these concerns, the ULS outlined several key actions condemning the continuous arbitrary interference by the police with peaceful and unarmed demonstrations.
Also urged the government and police to respect and protect the rights of all persons to assemble and peacefully demonstrate. In the same rhythm, Oundo called upon the Uganda Police to investigate and hold accountable all officers who continue to arbitrarily curtail the rights of citizens.
On the other side, ULS advised the public that the right to assemble peacefully is guaranteed by the Constitution of Uganda, appeals to the general public to desist from violent demonstrations and attacks on law enforcement officers, and gives a fair warning to police officers that it will take legal action against those found to have deliberately violated citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms.
“ULS remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting the rule of law, human rights, and good governance in Uganda,” Oundo concluded.
The Uganda Law Society’s stance highlights the ongoing struggle for the protection of fundamental rights in Uganda, and the organization’s commitment to holding authorities accountable to the principles enshrined in the nation’s Constitution.
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