Applying for a protection order in Uganda: checklist
In brief
The Domestic Violence Act lets a victim get a court order to stop abuse, including an urgent interim order. This checklist covers the application. If you are in immediate danger, call the police first.
Who it's for & when to use it
Who it's for: Victims of domestic violence and those helping them.
When to use it: When you need a court order to stop violence or harassment.
When not to use it: As a substitute for emergency help — in danger, contact the police.
The checklist
1. Get to safety first
- If you are in immediate danger, call the police — your safety comes before any paperwork.
- Seek medical attention for any injury and keep the medical record.
2. Gather evidence
- Keep evidence of the abuse: medical reports, photographs, messages, and the names and contacts of witnesses.
- Note the dates, times and what happened in each incident.
3. Report and apply
- Report the violence — it is an offence under the Domestic Violence Act (s.4).
- Apply to a magistrates' court, the local council court, or the Family and Children Court for a protection order (ss.8–9).
4. Seek interim protection
- Ask for an interim order where there is urgency, pending the full hearing (s.10).
5. Obtain and enforce the order
- Obtain the protection order, which can restrain contact and abuse and protect the home (ss.11, 12, 15, 16).
- Report any breach to the police and the court — breach of an order is an offence.
Key authorities
- Domestic Violence Act, Cap. 123 (2023 Revision) — ss.3, 4, 8–12, 15, 16.
Checklist · Family.
Actively maintained.
Last reviewed 9 June 2026; next review due 9 December 2026.
This resource is a practitioner orientation and general information, not legal advice, and does not create an advocate–client relationship. It is AI-generated. Ugandan law changes and chapter and section numbers were revised in the 2023 Laws of Uganda. Verify every statute, rule, form, fee and authority against the current primary source — and the specific facts of your matter — before relying on it.